Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.
What a great time we had with Bruce and Scott at our festival. I had the privilege of playing with Bruce in the The Cedarloo Allstars Dixieland band and with Scott in The Saints Allstar Dixieland band before they left for Texas. My daughter, Susan, was a trumpet student of Bruce’s and she has been a member of the “President’s Own” United States Marine band for the past 29 years. Sharing the bandstand with Bruce and Scott was a special pleasure for me and Susan, when they sat in with our band.
We have missed Bruce since he left and it was great to see so many of his friends and colleagues get the chance to reconnect with him after all of these years. He was an important part of the music scene in the Cedar Valley as well as a highly respected member of the University of Northern Iowa music faculty.
We hope they won’t stay away for another 25 years and come back to “sit in” whenever the spirit moves them. Thanks, Bruce and Scotty, you are always welcome back home in Iowa!!
The years spent at UNI and Cedar Falls was some of the best times I can remember. It has always been a privilege playing with you all. Thanks, you Paul for all you have done to preserve Dixieland music and its history.
Thanks Paul and the best to your family from ours.
Was just thinking of you this weekend. Had not heard of your loss!! Sounds like your happy there.
Thank you for all the privileges you gave: singing with your band, accompanying us as we Carole, putting my songs to music!! You blessed my life, and I’m truly grateful!!! Bless you now in you new experience. May all go well with you. Phil. 1:3,6
Sherry Zeise
Thank you for your kind words and knowing you has been my honor.
Be well and live long my friend.