Bob Dorough

Bob Dorough (1923–2018) was an American jazz composer, pianist, singer, and lyricist best known for his clever, swinging songwriting and his work on the educational series Schoolhouse Rock!. Born on December 12, 1923, in Cherry Hill, Arkansas, and raised in Texas, Dorough showed an early interest in music, eventually studying composition and piano at North Texas State University and Columbia University. His career spanned more than seven decades, during which he became a beloved figure in both the jazz world and children’s educational programming.

Dorough’s early musical influences ranged from classical composers to jazz legends like Nat King Cole and Thelonious Monk. After serving in the Army during World War II, he immersed himself in the bebop scene of the 1950s, performing with artists such as Miles Davis and Blossom Dearie. Notably, Dorough wrote lyrics for “Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)” and “Nothing Like You,” two songs recorded by Miles Davis—one of the few times Davis ever featured a vocalist on his albums.

While Dorough had a respected career as a jazz performer, he found his widest audience in the 1970s as the musical director for Schoolhouse Rock!, a series of animated educational shorts that aired on ABC. Tasked with teaching children through music, Dorough composed and performed many of the show’s most memorable songs, including “Three Is a Magic Number,” “Conjunction Junction,” “My Hero, Zero,” and “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here.” His catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and distinctive voice turned grammar, math, and civics lessons into enduring cultural touchstones.

Dorough’s musical style combined the sophistication of jazz with playful, conversational lyrics and a relaxed, often humorous delivery. He continued performing and recording into his 90s, releasing solo albums and collaborating with a wide range of artists across generations. His music retained a sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy—qualities that endeared him to both adults and children.

Bob Dorough passed away on April 23, 2018, at the age of 94. His legacy includes not only a rich catalog of jazz recordings but also a lasting impact on music education. Through his inventive and inviting approach to songwriting, Dorough taught millions of people—often without them realizing they were learning—and proved that music could be both intellectually rich and delightfully fun.