Frishberg, David

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Frishberg, David

Frishberg, David, American lyricist and pianist;b. St. Paul, Minn., March 23, 1933. He has written dozens of humorous, sophisticated tunes that have been recorded by numerous singers. After studying journalism at the Univ. of Minn, and spending a couple of years in the U.S. Air Force, he moved to N.Y in 1957. A fine swing pianist, he manned the rhythm sections of no-tables such as Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, and Gene Krupa. In addition, he accompanied a very diverse group of singers, including Carmen McRae, Jimmy Rushing, and Anita O’Day. He began writing songs during the 1960s, and continues today. After moving to Los Angeles in 1971, he began writing for both television and motion pictures. Since starting to perform his own material regularly during the late 1970s, he has performed around the world. His classic, very “hip” tunes, include “The Underdog” “Peel Me a Grape” “Sweet Kentucky Ham,” “My Attorney Bernie,” “Van Lingo Mungo,” “I’m Hip,” “Z’s,” and “Quality Time,” among many others. His remarkably quirky lyrics put a stamp on Frishberg as a unique musical voice in the jazz world.

Discography

Getting Some Fun out of Life (1977); Classics (1983); Live at Vine Street (1984); Can’t Take You Nowhere (1986); Let’s Eat Home (1989); Double Play (1992); Quality Time (1993); Not a Care in the World (1995).

—Susan K. Berlowitz