Arnie Caplin R.I. P. (Biograph Records)

[stevebop]

From The Berkshire Eagle:

Arnold Caplin

1929-2009 PITTSFIELD Arnold Caplin of Pittsfield passed away Friday, December 25, 2009 at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center after a long illness.

Arnie was born on May 8, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Isadore Caplin and Lillian Tanz Caplin.

A veteran of the Korean War he served in the United States Army Band in Korea.

A man of diverse interests, he had a life-long passion for drawing and painting as well as an early career as a professional jazz drummer. His creativity and interest in the arts led him into a long and distinguished career in the music recording industry as a record producer. As the founder of Biograph Records, Inc. in 1967, he produced over 250 recordings on LP and CD. He was an early proponent of preserving traditional American music including blues, jazz, ragtime and folk music. A major achievement of his was to revive and bring international attention to the works of Scott Joplin, who is now referred to as the "King of Ragtime." His dedication also led to the preservation of seminal works by artists such as George Gershwin and Benny Goodman, as well as blues artists such as Reverend Gary Davis and Son House. His efforts at championing American roots music had far reaching effects on many musicians during the 1960's and beyond. Many of his recordings have been honored with Grammy nominations and recognition from the United States Library of Congress.

Arnie had a zest for life which brought joy and love to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; his son, Robert and his wife, Allison, of Arlington, Mass., his son, Alan, of Somerville, Mass.; his sister, Joan and her husband, Harold Itzcovitz, of New York, N.Y.; sister, Joyce Dicker of Tucson, Ariz.; and his beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Alexander; as well as many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service celebrating the life of the late Arnold Caplin will be held on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at 12 p.m. at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, Pittsfield.

[paul secor]

Sorry to read this. Have a number of Biograph recordings. Along with the musicians, people like Mr. Caplin helped the music to live on.