While Elmer Schoebel’s name is not well-known in jazz history. However, he wrote several songs that would become standards. These included “Bugle Call Rag”, “Farewell Blues,” and “Nobody’s Sweetheart.” Schoebel began his professional career in Champaign, Illinois as a pianist for silent movies. He was a vaudeville performer and accompanied many acts. In 1920, he played in Chicago with The 20th Century Jazz Band. His work with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings in 1922-1923 was his greatest achievement as a musician. Schoebel led his own band and visited New York in 1925 with Isham Jones Orchestra. He returned to Chicago where he had several short-term relationships, including one with Louis Panico. He also composed arrangements for Melrose Publishing House. Schoebel was a writer primarily in the 1930s. He became the chief music arranger at Warner Bros New York. In the late ’40s Schoebel returned to playing occasionally, with Conrad Janis’ Band, Blue Steele’s Rhythm Rebels (1958) and leading his own groups in St. Petersburg. Schoebel, who was active as an instrument player until his death in 1969, was mostly forgotten. However, his songs are still being played frequently. Two songs (“Prince of Wails” and “Copenhagen”) were recorded by Schoebel on his one date as a leader in 1929.
