Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel]

Fritz Schulz-Reichel (July 4, 1912 – February 14, 1990) was a German jazz and pop pianist.

Schulz-Reichel was born in Meiningen. His father was a classical musician, and he began playing piano at the age of six. He developed an unusual technique where he played the melody of a tune with the left hand and the rhythm with the right hand.

While he trained to be a concert pianist, he chose a career in pop music, playing light jazz and pop tunes. He invented a device called the Tipsy Wire Box, which could be attached to a piano to make it sound like an out-of-tune barrelhouse upright. (Another interpretation is that "Tipsy Wire Box" was a slang expression for the piano itself, which was merely "detuned"; that is, one of the three strings that make up each note of the main section of the piano is slightly flatted, giving the piano the characteristic sound.)

In 1953 he adopted the moniker Schräger Otto (Crazy Otto), and recorded for Deutsche Grammophon. His tunes became hits in Germany, France, England, and America; his albums were released on Decca and MGM in the U.S. and Polydor which were distributed by Philips Electrical Industries Pty. Limited in Australia. In 1955, American musician Johnny Maddox played a medley of his songs, entitled "The Crazy Otto Medley"; this went to #2 on the U.S. charts, and in the U.S. both Reichel and Maddox were subsequently known as "Crazy Otto", to some confusion.

Schulz-Reichel continued to perform live and on film, and remained a popular jazz favorite in Germany for many years.

"Crazy Otto" is referenced in the song "Ramble on Rose" written by Robert Hunter and performed by the Grateful Dead.

Birth and Death Data: Born July 4, 1912 (Meiningen), Died February 14, 1990 (Berlin)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1954 - 1961

Roles Represented in DAHR: piano

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca 87222 12/30/1954 Glad rag doll Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87223 12/30/1954 Smiles Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87224 12/30/1954 In the mood Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87225 12/30/1954 S-H-I-N-E Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87226 12/30/1954 Beautiful Ohio Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87227 12/30/1954 Lights out Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87228 12/30/1954 My melancholy baby Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87229 12/30/1954 Paddlin' madelin' home Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87230 12/30/1954 Red sails in the sunset Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87231 12/30/1954 Rose of Washington Square Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 87237 12/11/1954 Everready polka Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 88471 8/8/1955 Marching Otto medleys: No.1: Somebody stole my gal ; You were meant for me ; Should I Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 88472 8/8/1955 Marching Otto medleys: No.2: I'll never smile again ; Undecided ; Heartaches ; Military band Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 73 3/28/1955* Twefth Street rag Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 74 3/28/1955* [Unknown title(s)] Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 75 3/28/1955* The Crazy Otto rag Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 86 6/22/1955* The Darktown Strutters' Ball Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 87 6/22/1955* Mammy o' mine Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 88 6/22/1955* I'll always be in love with you Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 89 6/22/1955* Palesteena Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 90 6/22/1955* Indiana Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 91 6/22/1955* If you knew Susie Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 92 6/22/1955* Rag mop Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 93 6/22/1955* Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, oh! Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 94 6/22/1955* Alabama bound Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGN 95 6/22/1955* Somebody else is taking my place Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1169 6/11/1956* My one and only love Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1170 6/11/1956* I fall in love with you every day Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1171 6/11/1956* Rain (falling from the skies) Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1172 6/11/1956* We could make such beautiful music Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1173 6/11/1956* A dreamer's holiday Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1174 6/11/1956* Exactly like you Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1175 6/11/1956* The glory of love Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1176 6/11/1956* Wrap your troubles in dreams Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1177 6/11/1956* In the blue of evening Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1178 6/11/1956* The man with the banjo Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1179 6/11/1956* Let there be love Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1180 6/11/1956* Just another day wasted away Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1212 9/19/1956* Swingin' door medley: Goodbye boys ; Down where the Wurzberger flows ; On a Sunday afternoon ; Under the anheuser bush Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1213 9/19/1956* Derby Hat medley: They always pick on me ; On the old fall river line ; Don't take me home ; Please go 'way and let me sleep Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1392 5/15/1957* Allah's holiday ; Auf wiedersehn ; Sympathy Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1393 5/15/1957* I'll get by ; Mean to me ; Put away a little ray of gold Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1394 5/15/1957* Lady of Spain ; You turned the tables on me ; You're my thrill Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1395 5/15/1957* Dixie train ; It took me all night to get ; It's better to love /em Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1396 5/15/1957* Daisies won't tell ; I left my sugar standing ; Let a smile be your umbrella ; The mansion of aching hearts ; Throw him down Mccloskey ; wedding bells Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1397 5/15/1957* I don't want to set the world on fire ; I've got a lovely bunch of cocoanuts ; Cruising down the river Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1398 5/15/1957* When Paw was courtin' Maw ; Zip-a-dee-doo-dah ; Cora-Belle Lee Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1399 5/15/1957* And the green grass grew all over Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1400 5/15/1957* Ida, sweet as apple cider ; Mama don't want no peas an' rice ; There'll be some changes made Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1401 5/15/1957* Dungaree doll ; I wonder who's kissing her now ; Manhattan Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1402 5/15/1957* Love me or leave me ; Makin' whoopee ; Stop beatin' 'round the mulberry bush Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1403 5/15/1957* It's a sin to tell a lie ; Sweet Jennie Lee ; And the angels sing Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1471 7/25/1957* Medley: Big rock candy mountain ; Jesse James ; Ol' Texas ; The streets of Laredo Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1472 7/25/1957* Medley: Bill Bailey ; Hello central give me heaven ; I guess I'll have to telegraph ; She may have seen better days Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1473 7/25/1957* Medley: Down went McGinty ; Down where the cotton blossoms ; My old New Hampshire home Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1478 2/18/1958* Dinah Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1479 2/18/1958* Georgia on my mind Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1480 2/18/1958* Whispering Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1483 2/18/1958* Ain't misbehavin' Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1484 2/18/1958* Little white lies Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1485 2/18/1958* [Unknown title(s)] Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1486 2/18/1958* Lady be good Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1533 2/11/1958* As time goes by Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1534 2/11/1958* Sentimental journey Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1535 2/11/1958* Little brown jug Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DU 1536 2/11/1958* It had to be you Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 6391 11/2/1955* Gaslight medley: When my baby smiles at me ; Wait till the sun shines Nellie ; I want a girl ; A bird in a gilded cage Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 6392 11/2/1955* Tin Pan Alley medley ; Have I told you lately that I love you? ; Into each life some rain must fall ; I'm walking behind you Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 24275A 2/23/1961* Spanish holiday Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 24419B 2/23/1961* Piccadilly Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 66616A 12/15/1958* Chopin's Polonaise Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 66616B 12/15/1958 Sunrise serenade Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 220637A 10/27/1960* Christmas medley: Part 1: Sleigh ride ; Winter wonderland ; White Christmas Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 220637B 10/27/1960* Christmas medley: Part 2: I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus ; Jingle bells ; Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 1033735 12/30/1958 Goody goody Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 2033098 1958 How deep is the ocean Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 2033099 12/30/1958 Because of you Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 2033734 12/30/1958 For sentimental Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 2033735 12/30/1958 Deep purple Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 3033099 12/30/1958 I can't give you anything but love Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 3033734 12/30/1958 Sur le pont d'Avignon Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 3033735 12/30/1958 Cheek to cheek Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 4033098 12/30/1958 Arrivederci Roma Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 4033099 12/30/1958 Always Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 5033099 12/30/1958 Perfidia Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DGG 6033098 12/30/1958 Kiss of fire Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel] instrumentalist, piano  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel]," accessed November 8, 2024, https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/310135.

Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel]. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 8, 2024, from https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/310135.

"Crazy Otto [Fritz Schulz Reichel]." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 8 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/310135

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