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{{Short description|American comedian and singer-songwriter (1937–2023)|bot=PearBOT 5}}
]
{{pp|small=yes}}
'''Paul "Biff" Rose''' is an ] ] and ]. ] covered the song "Fill Your Heart", co-written by Rose and ], on his album '']'' (1971). The song was also the ] to ]'s 1968 hit single, "Tiptoe through the Tulips." Bowie played another Rose song, "Buzz the Fuzz," in live performance . Other Rose songs were covered by John Denver and Pat Boone .
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Biff Rose
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Paul Conrad Rose III
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1937|10|15}}
| birth_place = ], Louisiana, U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|7|25|1937|10|15}}
| death_place = ], U.S.
| genre = {{hlist|||}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|Singer-songwriter}}
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|piano}}
| years_active = {{hlist|1964–2023}}
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]}}
| associated_acts =
}}


''' Biff Rose''', born '''Paul Conrad Rose III''' (October 15, 1937 – July 25, 2023), was an American comedian and singer-songwriter.
Following the release of 1968's ''The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side'', Rose made several memorable appearances on ] '']'' from 1968 to 1970. . He also performed his songs on '']'', '']'' , and ] ''Playboy After Dark'' . He emceed the Atlantic City Pop Festival of 1969 , and the Atlanta Pop Festival of 1970 . 1978's ''Roast Beef'' was produced by ] and recorded in a single take.


==Biography==
Rose's work of the past ten years differs from his early recordings. He has introduced spoken word and rap elements into his songs; some recordings experiment with extended song forms and eccentric instrumentation. He makes controversial use of racial stereotypes. In his web-based art, Christ and Hitler are referenced often, apparently as icons/personifications of good and evil. Music critic Mike Regenstreif has accused Rose of antisemitism in a chat group posting ; Rose explains that he is "pro-Jewish and Anti-Zionist."
Rose<ref>Lindsay, Sally (July 17, 1971). . ''Pottsville Republican''. Page 27. Retrieved March 23, 2021.</ref> was born in ], Louisiana on October 15, 1937.<ref name="BR's BD">. ]. Retrieved March 23, 2021.</ref><ref>O'Leary, Chris (2015). ''''. John Hunt Publishing. {{ISBN|1780997132}}.</ref> After moving to New york, he joined the Greenwich Village folk scene as a banjo-playing singer/comedian. His popularity led to a ] profile.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 14, 1964 |title=Folk Comedian Picks Audience As Target of Ethnic-Cult Barbs; Biff Rose, Banjoist, Performs Topical-Satirical Ditties at the Gaslight Cafe |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/14/archives/folk-comedian-picks-audience-as-target-of-ethniccult-barbs-biff.html |access-date=2023-08-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Rose used the profile to generate momentum in his career. He moved to Hollywood where he worked as an actor and writer. While working in television, Rose met ]. The duo started a short songwriting partnership and composed several songs including ‘Fill Your Heart’, which was covered by ] and ‘When Love is Far Away’, featured in ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2013 |title=Interview: Paul Williams |url=https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/interview-paul-williams/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Film Comment |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Soundtracks – IMDb |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3104988/soundtrack/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |language=en-US}}</ref>


After releasing his debut album in 1968 Rose made a handful of appearances on Johnny Carson's '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-aow/column6.php |title=Columns: April 1969 |publisher=Robert Christgau |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/search.do?singleDateMonth=12&singleDateDay=11&singleDateYear=1970 |title=The Official Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson web site |access-date=September 11, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927224331/http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/search.do?singleDateMonth=12&singleDateDay=11&singleDateYear=1970 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the Carson exposure, Rose performed on several other TV programs including '']'',<ref name="Smothersbrothers.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.smothersbrothers.com/episodes.htm |title=Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour – Episode Schedule |publisher=Smothersbrothers.com |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811045101/http://smothersbrothers.com/episodes.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{cite web|author=TV.com |url=http://www.tv.com/joe-south---biff-rose---rhetta-hughes/episode/168294/summary.html |title=American Bandstand – Season 13, Episode 21: Joe South / Biff Rose / Rhetta Hughes |publisher=TV.com |access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> and '']''.
2005 has seen a revival of label interest in Rose's work. A US CD re-releases his Tetragrammaton albums and singles, and a UK compilation covers Rose's work from 1968 through 1985.


Biff Rose died from liver cancer at 85 in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biff Rose |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/biff-rose-obituary?pid=205018611 |website=Legacy |access-date=September 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Paul "Biff" Rose ~ American comedian / singer-songwriter passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday July 25th. |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=pfbid02uommcUQvD2ei8KAtHMexVZhEKK4RmxWXVdFokFM2kKqAvgsWiYWjRcxDYBihdNdGl&id=587643584 |website=Biff Rose on Facebook |access-date=September 8, 2023 |date=July 28, 2023}}</ref>
==Discography==


===LPs=== ==Music==
Rose's first release was 1968's '']'', which contained the song "Buzz the Fuzz".
*''Biff, Cliff, and Warren'' (1961)
*''Banjo and Ballyhoo'' (1963, Angry Young Man Records)
*''The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side'' (1968, Tetragrammaton)
*''Children of Light'' (1969, Tetragrammaton)
*''Biff Rose'' (1970, Buddah)
*''Half Live at the Bitter End'' (1971, Buddah)
*''Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ'' (1972, United Artists)
*''Hamburger Blues'' (1974, Sweet Jane Limited)
*''Roast Beef'' (1978, Down Pat/Pacific Arts)
*''Thee Messiah Album/Live at Gatsby's'' (1979, Pacific Arts)


The song "Fill Your Heart" is Rose's best known composition. Co-written by ], the song was covered ] on the B-side of his 1968 hit single "]".
===CDs===
*''Bone Again'' (1996, Fast Eddy)
*''The Elizabethan Period'' (2000, GoddessOne)
*''E-Stir Parade'' (2003, Wascals)
*''Live At The Earl Of Oldtown'' (recorded 1977, released 2003, Wascals)
*''The Knight Wigguh and the Nippie Higger'' (2004, Wascals)


] recorded Rose's song ‘Fill Your Heart’ for his 1971 album '']''.
===Singles===
*''What's Gnawing At Me/Molly'' (1968, Tetragrammaton)
*''Buzz the Fuzz/Gentle People''(1968, Tetragrammaton)
*''Take Care of My Brother/Myrtle's Pies'' (1969, Tetragrammaton, non-album single)
*''I Forgot to Tell You/The Captain''(1970, Buddah)
*''Rudolph'' (1971, United Artists)
*''Garbage/Lord I Done Bumped Into You'' (1972, United Artists)


] Keyboard player ] worked as a session musician on Hunky Dory .<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rick Wakeman: On 'Piano Portraits,' David Bowie, Yes in the Rock Hall of Fame and More (Q&A) |url=http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2017/01/12/rick-wakeman-interview-piano-portraits-yes-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-david-bowie/#sthash.JywzZriC.dpbs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122175254/http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2017/01/12/rick-wakeman-interview-piano-portraits-yes-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-david-bowie/#sthash.JywzZriC.dpbs |archive-date=January 22, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2017}}</ref> He noted, "I remember going out and getting a Biff Rose album myself as he had obviously influenced David." ''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rick Wakeman: On 'Piano Portraits,' David Bowie, Yes in the Rock Hall of Fame and More (Q&A) – Rock Cellar Magazine |url=https://rockcellarmagazine.com/rick-wakeman-interview-piano-portraits-yes-rock-roll-hall-of-fame-david-bowie/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=rockcellarmagazine.com|date=January 12, 2017 }}</ref>
===Compilations===
*''Urban (folk) Renewal: Blue Dog Cellar'' (1962, Kimberly)
*''Put Your Hand in the Hand'' (mid 1970's, Pickwick)
*''The Acoustic Highway Collection: The Road To Country Rock '' (EMI, 1996)
*''The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side/Children of Light'' (2005, Water Records)
*''Fill Your Heart With Biff Rose'' (2005 RPM Records)


A young ] opened up for Biff Rose at ] in February 1973.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biff Rose / Bruce Springsteen |url=https://rocktourdatabase.com/content/biff-rose-bruce-springsteen-1 |access-date=2023-08-15}}</ref> In attendance that evening was David Bowie who had gone specifically to see Biff.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=July 30, 2018 |title=David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen: The History of an Unlikely Friendship |url=https://22ndrow.home.blog/2018/07/30/david-bowie-and-bruce-springsteen-the-history-of-an-unlikely-friendship/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=The 22nd Row |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=David Bowie's Animated First Reaction To Bruce Springsteen (a top story)::David Bowie News ::antiMusic.com |url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/14/August/ts18David_Bowies_Animated_First_Reaction_To_Bruce_Springsteen.shtml |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=www.antimusic.com}}</ref>
==References==


Rose's songs have been recorded by ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tracks on Departure – Pat Boone (1969) {{!}} SecondHandSongs |url=https://secondhandsongs.com/release/5195 |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=secondhandsongs.com}}</ref> ] counts Rose as an influence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cat Stevens |url=https://www.majicat.com/articles/sterereview72.htm |access-date=2023-08-15}}</ref>
* Promotion for the includes very detailed bio of Biff Rose by Thom Moore.

* by Kimberly Chun
== Controversy==
*
In October 2017, ] pointed out that Rose's website contained "blatantly racist and ] material." Interviewer Nate Waggoner said Rose "expresses some views that are definitely not my own." In a published emailed rebuttal, Rose offered racist ideas about Islam as a defense against being anti-Semitic.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 18, 2014 |title=An Interview with Biff Rose, Truly Weird Part of Music History |url=https://thetuskdotcom.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/an-interview-with-biff-rose-truly-weird-part-of-music-history/ |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=The Tusk |language=en}}</ref> He continued to post racist and anti-Semitic language and ideas on his websites and social media accounts, including drawings that used visual ] and graphic depictions of ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indyweek.com/music/archives/2017/10/05/heading-to-biff-rose-tonight-you-might-want-to-check-his-website |title=Heading to Biff Rose Tonight? You Might Want to Check His Website |date=October 5, 2017|last=Hussey|first=Allison|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tusk2.com/2014/08/18/an-interview-with-biff-rose-truly-weird-part-of-music-history/ |title=An Interview with Biff Rose, Truly Weird Part of Music History |date=August 1, 2014|last=Waggoner|first=Nate|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304192620/http://www.tusk2.com/2014/08/18/an-interview-with-biff-rose-truly-weird-part-of-music-history/ |access-date=March 12, 2019|archive-date=March 4, 2019 }}</ref>
* , Esquire, Apr. 1969, reviews an early Tonight Show appearance.

* of ''Half Live at the Bitter End'' comedy album, further commentary on "Tonight Show" appearances, 1971.
==Full-length releases==
* Richie Unterberger's review of 1972 album ''Uncle Jesus Auntie Christ''
*'']'' (1968)
* Richie Unterberger's biography on ].
*''Children of Light'' (1969)
* and are references to ] Jan-Feb 1973 Max Kansas City shows opening for Biff Rose.
*''Biff Rose'' (1970)
* compliment Biff Rose.
*''Half Live at the Bitter End'' (1971)<ref name="CG">{{cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|year=1981|title=]|publisher=]|isbn=089919026X|chapter=Consumer Guide '70s: R|chapter-url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_chap.php?k=R&bk=70|access-date=March 12, 2019|via=robertchristgau.com}}</ref>
*''Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ'' (1972)
*''Hamburger Blues ''<ref>{{Cite web |title=HAMBURGER BLUES, by Biff Rose |url=https://biffrose.bandcamp.com/album/hamburger-blues |access-date=2023-08-15 |website=Biff Rose |language=en}}</ref> (1973)
*''Roast Beef'' (1978)
*''Thee Messiah Album/Live at Gatsby's'' (1979)

==References==
{{Reflist}}


==Links== ==Further reading==
* Stevenson, Salli. . ''UCLA Daily Bruin''. February 4, 1970.
* Dawson, Jim. . ''The Baltimore Sun''. May 29, 1978.


==External links==
*
* {{Official website|http://www.biffrose.biz/}}
* Biff Rose's musings.
* Bandcamp http://www.biffrose.bandcamp.com/


{{authority control}}


] {{DEFAULTSORT:Rose, Biff}}
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Latest revision as of 19:51, 14 October 2024

American comedian and singer-songwriter (1937–2023)

Biff Rose
Birth namePaul Conrad Rose III
Born(1937-10-15)October 15, 1937
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedJuly 25, 2023(2023-07-25) (aged 85)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Occupations
  • Comedian
  • Singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Years active
  • 1964–2023
Labels
Musical artist

Biff Rose, born Paul Conrad Rose III (October 15, 1937 – July 25, 2023), was an American comedian and singer-songwriter.

Biography

Rose was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 15, 1937. After moving to New york, he joined the Greenwich Village folk scene as a banjo-playing singer/comedian. His popularity led to a New York Times profile. Rose used the profile to generate momentum in his career. He moved to Hollywood where he worked as an actor and writer. While working in television, Rose met Paul Williams. The duo started a short songwriting partnership and composed several songs including ‘Fill Your Heart’, which was covered by David Bowie and ‘When Love is Far Away’, featured in Crazy Rich Asians.

After releasing his debut album in 1968 Rose made a handful of appearances on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. After the Carson exposure, Rose performed on several other TV programs including The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, American Bandstand, and Playboy After Dark.

Biff Rose died from liver cancer at 85 in 2023.

Music

Rose's first release was 1968's The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side, which contained the song "Buzz the Fuzz".

The song "Fill Your Heart" is Rose's best known composition. Co-written by Paul Williams, the song was covered Tiny Tim on the B-side of his 1968 hit single "Tiptoe through the Tulips".

David Bowie recorded Rose's song ‘Fill Your Heart’ for his 1971 album Hunky Dory.

Yes Keyboard player Rick Wakeman worked as a session musician on Hunky Dory . He noted, "I remember going out and getting a Biff Rose album myself as he had obviously influenced David."

A young Bruce Springsteen opened up for Biff Rose at Max's Kansas City in February 1973. In attendance that evening was David Bowie who had gone specifically to see Biff.

Rose's songs have been recorded by John Denver, Vetiver (band) and Pat Boone. Cat Stevens counts Rose as an influence.

Controversy

In October 2017, Indy Week pointed out that Rose's website contained "blatantly racist and anti-Semitic material." Interviewer Nate Waggoner said Rose "expresses some views that are definitely not my own." In a published emailed rebuttal, Rose offered racist ideas about Islam as a defense against being anti-Semitic. He continued to post racist and anti-Semitic language and ideas on his websites and social media accounts, including drawings that used visual ethnic stereotypes and graphic depictions of homophobia and misogyny.

Full-length releases

  • The Thorn in Mrs. Rose's Side (1968)
  • Children of Light (1969)
  • Biff Rose (1970)
  • Half Live at the Bitter End (1971)
  • Uncle Jesus, Aunty Christ (1972)
  • Hamburger Blues (1973)
  • Roast Beef (1978)
  • Thee Messiah Album/Live at Gatsby's (1979)

References

  1. Lindsay, Sally (July 17, 1971). "Youth Beat". Pottsville Republican. Page 27. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  2. Paul Conrad Rose, III United States Public Records, 1970–2009. FamilySearch. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  3. O'Leary, Chris (2015). Rebel Rebel: All the Songs of David Bowie From '64 to '76. John Hunt Publishing. ISBN 1780997132.
  4. "Folk Comedian Picks Audience As Target of Ethnic-Cult Barbs; Biff Rose, Banjoist, Performs Topical-Satirical Ditties at the Gaslight Cafe". The New York Times. November 14, 1964. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  5. "Interview: Paul Williams". Film Comment. February 27, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  6. Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Soundtracks – IMDb, retrieved August 15, 2023
  7. "Columns: April 1969". Robert Christgau. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  8. "The Official Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson web site". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2005.
  9. "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour – Episode Schedule". Smothersbrothers.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  10. TV.com. "American Bandstand – Season 13, Episode 21: Joe South / Biff Rose / Rhetta Hughes". TV.com. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
  11. "Biff Rose". Legacy. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  12. "Paul "Biff" Rose ~ American comedian / singer-songwriter passed away at the age of 85 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesday July 25th". Biff Rose on Facebook. July 28, 2023. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  13. "Rick Wakeman: On 'Piano Portraits,' David Bowie, Yes in the Rock Hall of Fame and More (Q&A)". Archived from the original on January 22, 2017. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  14. "Rick Wakeman: On 'Piano Portraits,' David Bowie, Yes in the Rock Hall of Fame and More (Q&A) – Rock Cellar Magazine". rockcellarmagazine.com. January 12, 2017. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  15. "Biff Rose / Bruce Springsteen". Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  16. "David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen: The History of an Unlikely Friendship". The 22nd Row. July 30, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  17. "David Bowie's Animated First Reaction To Bruce Springsteen (a top story)::David Bowie News ::antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  18. "Tracks on Departure – Pat Boone (1969) | SecondHandSongs". secondhandsongs.com. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  19. "Cat Stevens". Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  20. "An Interview with Biff Rose, Truly Weird Part of Music History". The Tusk. August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2023.
  21. Hussey, Allison (October 5, 2017). "Heading to Biff Rose Tonight? You Might Want to Check His Website". Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  22. Waggoner, Nate (August 1, 2014). "An Interview with Biff Rose, Truly Weird Part of Music History". Archived from the original on March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  23. Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: R". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 12, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  24. "HAMBURGER BLUES, by Biff Rose". Biff Rose. Retrieved August 15, 2023.

Further reading

External links

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