You’re listening to the Gus Arnheim Orchestra and Russ Columbo with “A Peach of a Pair”, recorded in 1929. Known as the “Romeo of Song”, he was a leading man on the silver screen as well. But a promising career was cut short by tragedy on the evening of September 2nd, 1934.
On that night, mere hours before his regularly scheduled radio show, he stopped by a friend’s house. His host produced a set of Civil War-era pistols, as both were antique gun enthusiasts. Bravado conquered common sense as Columbo placed a match underneath the hammer and pulled the trigger, igniting the match…and a long-forgotten powder charge. The bullet ricocheted off a nearby desk, striking his head. He died six hours later.
Of course, there are always conspiracy theories…hear one involving a cursed ring right here