ABSTRACT

Born Eugenio Ruggerio in Philadelphia, Columbo was one of the most popular singers of the 1920s and early 1930s. He was first heard as a violinist and vocalist with Gus Arnheim in 1928-1930. He recorded for Okeh and Victor, and formed his own band in 1932. “Prisoner of Love,” his own composition, brought him great fame (Victor #22867; 1931). Columbo continued with Victor to 1932, then went to other labels. He died in a gun accident in Los Angeles.