Singer, Actor. He was an American singer. Born Ruggiero Eugenio di Rodolpho Colombo, he was the twelfth child of Italian immigrants. A child prodigy known for his violin playing, the family moved to California in order that he could continue his studies under his music instructor. At the age of seventeen, he left high school to travel with orchestras and play "atmospheric" music for silent films. In 1928, he became a member of the Cocoanut Grove Orchestra and became known as an excellent singer when he was chosen to replace Bing Crosby, the group's lead vocalist, who left that year to further his career in New York. This break led to him being chosen to sing and act in several films including "Dynamite," "Wolf Song" and "Wonder of Women," all 1929 American Pre-Code drama films; "The Texan" in 1930; and in the lead role, "Wake Up and Dream" in 1934. In 1931, he was persuaded to move to New York City in order to make his mark on radio. He was hired by NBC and the young singing sensation became known as "The Romeo of Song" and "The Singing Valentino," with his smooth crooning style. In 1933, he left New York and after a brief tour with his own orchestra, returned to Hollywood where he signed a contract with Universal Pictures. He was chosen to receive his first starring role in the film "Wake up and Dream." Tragically, however, his life was taken before the filming started, when at the age of twenty-six, he died from what was ruled an accidental shooting. While toying with an antique dueling pistol, a Hollywood photographer, Lansa Brown, accidently shot and killed Columbo. Brown was considered a close friend.
Singer, Actor. He was an American singer. Born Ruggiero Eugenio di Rodolpho Colombo, he was the twelfth child of Italian immigrants. A child prodigy known for his violin playing, the family moved to California in order that he could continue his studies under his music instructor. At the age of seventeen, he left high school to travel with orchestras and play "atmospheric" music for silent films. In 1928, he became a member of the Cocoanut Grove Orchestra and became known as an excellent singer when he was chosen to replace Bing Crosby, the group's lead vocalist, who left that year to further his career in New York. This break led to him being chosen to sing and act in several films including "Dynamite," "Wolf Song" and "Wonder of Women," all 1929 American Pre-Code drama films; "The Texan" in 1930; and in the lead role, "Wake Up and Dream" in 1934. In 1931, he was persuaded to move to New York City in order to make his mark on radio. He was hired by NBC and the young singing sensation became known as "The Romeo of Song" and "The Singing Valentino," with his smooth crooning style. In 1933, he left New York and after a brief tour with his own orchestra, returned to Hollywood where he signed a contract with Universal Pictures. He was chosen to receive his first starring role in the film "Wake up and Dream." Tragically, however, his life was taken before the filming started, when at the age of twenty-six, he died from what was ruled an accidental shooting. While toying with an antique dueling pistol, a Hollywood photographer, Lansa Brown, accidently shot and killed Columbo. Brown was considered a close friend.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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Russ Columbo
1908 - 1934
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