Introduction
Archie Fletcher (April 24, 1890—June 18, 1974) was an American Tin Pan Alley songwriter, composer, and music publisher. He is best known for writing "Roll 'em Girls (Roll Your Own)" (1925) and "On A Little Bamboo Bridge" (1937). The bamboo song was a major hit that was recorded by many influential musicians including Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, and Myrna Lorrie. It was also popular in Japan.
Archie Fletcher was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 24, 1890. He began his professional music career singing in cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs in New York City.
In 1911, he wrote the song "Mary, I Love You". Composed by Harry McNamara, it was recorded in November 1911 in Camden, New Jersey, by vocal group Peerless Quartet. In 1914, his "In the Garden", composed by Arthur Lange, was recorded by Billy Murray. It was also recorded by George Wilton Ballard + Ada Jones (1914) and the vocal group Williams and Williams (1927).
In October 1918, Fletcher's "When Tony Goes Over the Top" (composed by Billy Frisch and Alex Marr) was recorded by Billy Murray and conducted by Josef Pasternack.
In 1925, Fletcher, Bobby Heath, and Micky Marr co-wrote "Roll 'em Girls (Roll Your Own)", which was recorded by several musicians:
- Jack Shilkret Orchestra with vocals by Billy Murray and direction by Edward T. King (1925)
- Jack Stillman's Oriole Orchestra, with vocals by Arthur Hall (1925)
- Lou Gold And His Orchestra (1925)
- Billy West and Ernie Hare as Bob Thomas (1926)
- Bob Haring And His Orchestra (1926)
- Jack Kaufman And Honey Duke (1926)
- Paul Specht Orchestra (1926)
- Ed Smalle (1926)
- The Red-Hotters, directed by Harry Raderman (1926)
Another of his works, "If You're Old-fashioned, You're Long Underwear " was recorded by Arthur Fields (1926) and Art Gillham (1926).
In 1935, Fletcher moved to Miami, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1940. In 1937, he wrote "On a Little Bamboo Bridge" (composed by Al Sherman). It was a big hit and recorded by several famed jazz musicians. The copyright is held by Joe Morris Music Company. The song peaked in 1937 when it was recorded by iconic bandleader Louis Armstrong With Andy Iona And His Islanders.
Other artists who recorded the bamboo song:
- Roy Smeck And His Serenaders (1937)
- Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1938)
- Myrna Lorrie (1958)
- Papa Bue's Viking Jazz Band (1961)
- Paul Specht And His Orchestra (year unknown)
- Ginji Yamaguchi And His Luana Tahitians (year unknown)
- Jack Jackson And His Orchestra (year unknown)
In the late 1960s, the bamboo song was very popular in Japan as well.
Death
Fletcher died in Miami, Florida, on June 18, 1974, at age 84.