Bob Zurke, born Boguslaw Albert Zukowski on January 7, 1912, in Hamtramck, Michigan, was a prominent American jazz pianist, arranger, and composer during the Swing era. By the age of 16, Zurke had already adopted his professional name and recorded with Thelma Terry, a pioneering female jazz bassist. He worked as a copyist for Jean Goldkette's booking agency and performed in various Detroit clubs, forming a lasting friendship with pianist Marvin Ash.

In 1937, Zurke joined Bob Crosby's band, filling in for the ailing Joe Sullivan. His arrangement of "Honky Tonk Train Blues" became a hit, and he was recognized in Down Beat's piano category in 1938. Jelly Roll Morton praised him as a promising jazz pianist in Alan Lomax's Library of Congress interviews.

Zurke formed his own band, the Delta Rhythm Orchestra, in 1939, debuting with notable compositions like "Hobson Street Blues" and "Old Tom-Cat on the Keys." However, his career was marred by alcohol dependency, leading to the band's dissolution in 1940. After serving a jail sentence for unpaid alimony, Zurke moved to Los Angeles in 1942 and performed at the Hangover Club until his death.

Bob Zurke passed away on February 16, 1944, at the age of 32, due to complications from pneumonia and acute alcohol poisoning. Despite his struggles, Zurke was celebrated as one of the finest white boogie-woogie pianists of his time, known for his unique style and technique developed to compensate for his small hands.