David Louis Bartholomew, born on December 24, 1918, in Edgard, Louisiana, was an influential American musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, and record producer. He was a pivotal figure in the New Orleans music scene and played a significant role in the development of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and New Orleans jazz. Bartholomew's musical journey began with the tuba, but he later switched to the trumpet under the tutelage of Peter Davis, who also taught Louis Armstrong.

In the 1930s, Bartholomew moved to New Orleans, where he played with various jazz and brass bands, including those of Papa Celestin and Fats Pichon. He became the leader of Pichon's band in 1941 before joining Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and honed his skills as an arranger and songwriter with the 196th Army Ground Forces Band.

After the war, Bartholomew formed his own band, the Dew Droppers, which became a cornerstone of the New Orleans rhythm and blues scene. His collaboration with Lew Chudd of Imperial Records led to a fruitful partnership with Fats Domino, producing over 40 hits, including "Ain't That a Shame," "Blue Monday," and "I'm Walkin'." Bartholomew's work with Domino and other artists like Smiley Lewis and Lloyd Price helped shape the sound of early rock and roll.

Bartholomew's career spanned several decades, during which he worked with various record labels and founded Broadmoor Records. He continued to perform and record throughout the 1970s and 1980s, leading a jazz band in New Orleans. His contributions to music were recognized with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Dave Bartholomew passed away on June 23, 2019, in Metairie, Louisiana, at the age of 100. His legacy as a musician, producer, and composer continues to inspire generations of music creators.