American musician Dave Barbour, May 28, 1912 – December 11 1965. He was a jazz guitarist and jazz banjoist, as well as a pop songwriter and actor. He was also the husband of Peggy Lee for nine year. Barbour was born on Long Island, New York. In 1933, he began his career as a banjoist in the company of Adrian Rollini and in 1934 with Wingy Manone. In the middle of the decade, he switched to guitar and was a member of Red Norvo’s 1935-1936 band. He was a popular studio musician, playing in groups with Billie Holiday (1937), Artie Sharma (1939), Lennie Hayton, Charlie Barnet (1945), Raymond Scott and Glenn Miller. In 1945, he also recorded with Andre Previn. In 1942, he played with Benny Goodman. While a member of Goodman’s ensemble, he met Peggy Lee and they married in 1943. Johnny Mercer hired them as a songwriting duo and soon after their move to Los Angeles, they were able to write a lot of Lee’s hits such as “Manana” and “It’s a Good Day”. In 1943, Nicki was born to the couple. Barbour, an alcoholic, had problems with Lee and eventually ended their marriage in 1951. Dave Barbour and his Orchestra were the most popular performers of “Mambo Jambo”, a peppy tune. Barbour’s career after Lee (who would be married three more times) was much less successful. He was able to earn songwriting royalties as many of the hits he wrote with Lee were covered. He appeared in The Secret Fury, Mr. Music and other films, as well as performing with Benny Carter in 1962. At 53 years old, he died from a hemorhaged ulcer in Malibu Beach. Peggy Lee and Nicki Lee Foster were his survivors. from https://peoplepill.com
