Biography
Gil Rodin exerted greater influence offstage than through his own performances. During his school years he trained on reeds, flute and trumpet, then worked primarily as an alto saxophonist in Chicago throughout the mid-1920s, most prominently alongside Art Kahn from 1924 to 1925. After a stint in California with Harry Bastin’s orchestra, he entered Ben Pollack’s ensemble in 1927. Rodin remained with Pollack until the group disbanded in 1934, supplementing that tenure with studio sessions and membership in Red Nichols’ radio orchestra. He preserved the core personnel of the former Pollack unit—recording under the name of vocalist Clark Randall in 1935—until Bob Crosby assumed leadership. Serving as Crosby’s lead altoist, Rodin contributed solely to section work and never took solos, yet he functioned as president, music director and business manager until his induction in 1942. While in uniform he performed with the U.S. Army Artillery Band; between 1944 and 1945 he co-led a unit with Ray Bauduc on baritone saxophone before returning to Crosby’s employ. In subsequent years Rodin produced programs for radio and television, periodically resuming his role as Crosby’s music director. The sole dates he directed as leader—two sessions yielding four titles issued between 1930 and 1931—featured Jack Teagarden, heard on a pair of vocals, along with Eddie Miller and Benny Goodman, who appeared on the final pair of numbers.