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If you can recite the Preamble, know how a bill becomes a law or remember learning multiplication from a catchy tune, you’re probably over 45 and fondly nostalgic for Schoolhouse Rock!
But did you know the director and composer behind most of those beloved songs hailed from Cherry Hill, Arkansas? That’s right—Robert Dorough, the creative force behind these iconic educational tunes that became a cornerstone of American childhood, was born in this small Polk County community, now better known for the Lum and Abner General Store, two professional athletes and a corner store hamburger.
A Musical Prodigy from Arkansas
Robert Dorough attended schools in De Queen, Mena and Texarkana, showcasing an early talent for music. But his dad’s job moved the family to Plainview, Texas, where a school bandmaster saw the potential in the young artists and added harmony lessons and clarinet to his growing list of mastered instruments. By the time he was in high school, Dorough had developed a love for jazz and composition, setting the stage for a lifetime of musical innovation.
Dorough was drafted into the Army during World War II in his final year of college. However, a punctured eardrum prevented him from being sent overseas. Instead, he served in the Special Services, playing in a military band. This experience allowed him to hone his skills in writing and performing music, collaborate with various ensembles, and foster connections that would influence his career.
Early Career and Jazz Beginnings
After the war, Dorough attended North Texas State Teachers College (now the University of North Texas), where he studied composition and piano. He played in local jazz clubs during college, building his reputation as a talented performer. His knack for blending jazz with clever lyrics caught the attention of big names, including Sugar Ray Robinson, who hired Dorough as a musical director and performer for his nightclub tours.
In the 1950s, Dorough moved to Paris, where he worked alongside jazz vocalist Blossom Dearie and soaked up the vibrant European jazz scene. His collaborations and performances in Paris further cemented his place in the world of jazz, which Miles Davis loved and invited him to his 1962 Columbia Records project, Jingle Bell Jazz.
Dorough eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where his unique style gained the attention of the jazz elite. He worked with notable artists and released solo projects highlighting his lyrical wit and musical creativity. Among his acclaimed compositions were works that fused intricate melodies with clever, thought-provoking lyrics.
The Birth of “Schoolhouse Rock!”
These clever skills drew the attention of New York advertising executive David B. McCall, and the journey to Schoolhouse Rock! began in 1971 with a novel idea: setting the multiplication tables to music to help children learn numbers more easily. Dorough wrote and recorded 11 songs for McCall, including the now-iconic “Three is a Magic Number.”
The songs were released as a commercial album titled Multiplication Rock by Capitol Records in 1973. However, McCall and his advertising team had more significant ideas. They collaborated with illustrator Tom Yohe to create animated segments based on the songs. They pitched the package to ABC, whose head of children’s programming approved the idea as a series of three-minute educational skits sponsored by General Mills.
On Jan. 6, 1973, the first four episodes of Schoolhouse Rock! premiered: “My Hero Zero,” “Elementary, My Dear,” “Three Is a Magic Number,” and “The Four-Legged Zoo.” The show was an instant hit, blending education with entertainment in a way that captivated children and parents alike.
Expanding the “Schoolhouse Rock!” Universe
Dorough served as the musical director for Schoolhouse Rock! and wrote 22 of the 52 songs in the series, including the theme song, “Schoolhouse Rocky.” The show expanded beyond multiplication to include Grammar Rock (featuring classics like “Conjunction Junction”), History Rock (known initially as America Rock), and Science Rock. The series aired on ABC’s Saturday morning lineup from 1973 to 1985, with reruns in 1993.
The cultural impact of Schoolhouse Rock! was so significant that in 2019 its soundtrack, “The Box Set,” created in 1996, was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant.” Each year, they preserve 25 classics that mark American history.
Later Career and Honors
Dorough continued to create and perform music throughout his life. He worked with Scholastic Records, collaborated with artists like Michael Hornstein and Nellie McKay, and even signed his first major record deal with Blue Note Records at 73. He also ventured into children’s literature, composing music for books and other educational projects.
Dorough’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for his first Schoolhouse project and several others for artists he composed. In 1998, he was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame and received the title of 2002 Governor’s Artist of the Year in Pennsylvania, where he lived for much of his later life. In 2019, he was recognized as a Jazz Master of the Year by the National Endowment of the Arts. Watching him at the piano was like seeing a quilter at their sewing machine, a combine harvesting rice or a quarterback in the pocket—it just fit!
Robert Dorough died in 2018 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to educate and inspire. Whether you grew up singing along to Schoolhouse Rock! or discovered his work later, Dorough’s creativity and passion for music remain timeless. His work lives on, reminding us that learning can be fun and that “three” will always be a magic number.
Cover image used with permission through public domain media. Image by Kimberly Lewis Brooklyn, NY – Bob Dorough, CC BY-SA 2.0
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