Historic Photos

Photo of the Week, 101: Tin Pan Alley Bloomington-Style, 1953

January 29th, 2015

Amateur songwriting duo Al and Edna Schroeder show off their latest success in this March 1953 photograph taken at their Bloomington home, 308 West Wood Street. At this time the married couple had several records on the market, including "Bending Over Backwards," pressed by the small label outfit IntraState Records of Los Gatos, CA, and performed by Gene Duncan and his Western Band. And there was "My Love Was Wasted On You" from Skylark Records of Hollywood, CA, and performed by the Playmates, which was receiving airtime on WGN 720 AM thanks to disc jockey Saxie Dowell. The Schroeders were also under contract with Premium Music Co. of Chicago and hoping to see two of their latest songs, "That's Why I'm In Love with You" and "I Work Because It Pays Me Money," make in to vinyl. If you have any Al and Edna Schroeder records and would like to donate them to the Museum, please contact Librarian Bill Kemp at 309-827-0428 or BKemp@mchistory.org.

Bill Kemp

Librarian

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