University of Wyoming
Jerry Colonna was an American comedian, singer, songwriter, and trombonist. He is best remembered as the zaniest of Bob Hope’s sidekicks in Hope’s popular radio shows and films of the 1940s and 1950s. Colonna started his career in the entertainment industry as a trombonist for orchestras and dance bands in Boston. In the 1930s he joined the CBS house orchestra, “Columbia Symphony Orchestra” and by the 1940s Colonna was making appearances on USO tours, radio and television shows, and films with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Fred Allen. In 1956 Colonna joined the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers); his songwriting credits include "At Dusk", "I Came to Say Goodbye", "Life of a Sailor", "One Day", "Sleighbells in the Sky" and "Take Your Time."
Collection contains sheet music and original scores written by Colonna, including lyrics, rough drafts, and commercial copies.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
There are no known other archival collections created by Jerry Colonna at the date of processing.
This material was received from Elliott Mittler in May 2016.
The collection was processed by Jamie J. Greene in July 2016.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.