Robert Everhart, Trumpet

Trumpeter Bob Everhart was born in Columbus on May 31,1945 to a musical family. Bob's father, Dr. Robert Everhart, had a 35-piece big band for over 50 years. The Doc Everhart Big Band held dances twice a year at Valley Dale and the Shrine Mosque. This experience undoubtedly led to Bob's attraction to music. At age three, he took up the drums and at age eight began piano lessons. At age ten Bob found his true musical love: the trumpet. He took trumpet lessons from one of his father's closest friends, Ziggy Coyle. When Bob was in the 9th grade, he joined his father's band, and also played with Dave Wheeler's Lab Band.

Bob graduated from Linden-McKinley High School in 1963 and attended The Ohio State University, majoring in business, performing in the OSU marching and jazz bands. In 1966, he left OSU to go on the road with Americana Brass show band, a take-off of the popular Tijuana Brass band. For six years, Bob traveled with the band across the United States, Mexico, Canada, the British West Indies, Germany, and Switzerland. In 1972, he left the group to tour with Holiday on Ice for two years as lead trumpet.

Bob came off the road in 1974, settling down in Columbus. He continued playing the trumpet, performing with the Bruno Masdea Big Band and the Chuck Selby Orchestra. During this time, he also played with Les Elgart, Buddy Morrow, the Jerry Kaye Orchestra and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. In 1975, proving that music and math truly go hand-in-hand, Bob went to work for the Franklin County Auditor's office for the next 18 years.

In 1978, Bob and his cousin, Larry, started a pop/rock band, Energy, which lasted for 20 years. Bob joined the Columbus Jazz Orchestra in 1983. His favorite moments with the orchestra have been the trips to Spain, and meeting all the great trumpeters: Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Byron Stripling, Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry and Jon Faddis. "It has been an honor to play with so many wonderful musicians."

In 1993, after leaving the Franklin County Auditor's office, Bob began working for the State of Ohio Department of Taxation, where he is currently employed.

Bob's life has not been just math and music. In 1991, Bob went to a restaurant with his cousin Larry. They met up with Larry's girlfriend and her friend, Susan. Bob took one look at Susan and told his cousin, "Someday I'm going to marry that girl." It took several years, but eventually the two wed in April 1994. Bob and Susan have six children and six grandchildren. In addition to his family, Bob has been blessed with many good friends.

When not performing with the CJO, working his day job, and (whew!) running after his two girls, Bob finds the time to play lead trumpet with Street Players, a popular Columbus party band.