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POPULAR SONGWRITERS & SINGERS
Birth anniversaries
Anniversaries for 2005:
- "Last Night When We Were Young"- Harold Arlen (born: 15 February 1905)
- "The Way You Look Tonight" - Dorothy Fields (born: 15 July 1905)
- "High Noon" - Tex Ritter (born: 12 January 1905)
- "Small World" - Jule Styne (born: 31 December 1905)
- "San Antonio Rose" - Bob Wills (born: 6 March 1905)
Anniversaries for 2004:
- "Tangerine" - Jimmy Dorsey (born: 29 February 1904, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania)
- "Moonlight Serenade" - Glenn Miller (born: 1 March 1904, Clarinda, Iowa)
- "Ain't Misbehavin" - Fats Waller (born: 21 May 1904, New York, NY )
Anniversaries for 2003:
- "Where the Blue of the Night" - Bing Crosby (born: 3 May 1903, Tacoma, Washington)
- "Buttons and Bows" - Bob Hope (born: 29 May 1903, Eltham, England)
Anniversaries for 2002:
- "I'll Be Seeing You" - Sammy Fain (born: 17 June 1902)
- "You'll Never Walk Alone" - Richard Rodgers (born: 28 June 1902)
- "Till There Was You" - Meredith Willson (born: 28 May 1902)
Anniversaries for 2001:
- "The Waltz You Saved For Me" - Wayne King (born: 16 February 1901)
- "Thanks for the Memory" - Ralph Rainger (born: 7 October 1901)
- "I'm Just A Vagabond Lover" - Rudy Vallee (born: 28 July 1901)
Anniversaries for 2000:
- "Star Dust" - Mitchell Parrish
- "Stella By Starlight" - Victor Young
Anniversaries for 1999:
- "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" - Fred Astaire (100th)
- "Georgia On My Mind" - Hoagy Carmichael (100th)
- "Moon River" - Johnny Mercer (90th)
- "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" - Thomas A. Dorsey (100th)
- "Mood Indigo" - Duke Ellington (100th)
- "The Last Round Up" - Billy Hill (100th)
- "It's Only a Paper Moon" - Billy Rose (100th)
Favorite Soingwriters and Singers
For me, these are my 20 favorite songwriters in alphabetical order with one of their many memorable songs:
Harold Arlen ("Stormy Weather" )
Irving Berlin ("What'll I Do" )
Sammy Cahn ("Call Me Irresponsible")
Hoagy Carmichael ("Star Dust")
Duke Ellington ("Mood Indigo")
Dorothy Fields ("The Way You Look Tonight")
George Gershwin ("They Can't Take That Away From Me")
Ira Gershwin ("Our Love is Here to Stay")
Oscar Hammerstein II ("Ol' Man River" )
Lorenz Hart ("Blue Moon")
Jerome Kern ("All the Things You Are" )
Jay Livingston ("Mona Lisa" )
Henry Mancini ("Two for the Road")
Johnny Mercer ("Accentuate the Positive")
Cole Porter ("Night and Day")
Richard Rodgers ("You'll Never Walk Alone")
Arthur Schwartz ("Dancing in the Dark")
James Van Heusen ("Swinging on a Star")
Harry Warren ("Lullaby of Broadway")
Victor Young ("Stella by Starlight")
And these are my 20 favorite singers from the past:
- Louis Armstrong
- Fred Astaire
- Ray Charles
- Rosemary Clooney
- Nat King Cole
- Perry Como
- Bing Crosby
- Doris Day
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Judy Garland
- Dick Haymes
- Billie Holiday
- Howard Keel
- Peggy Lee
- Jane Powell
- Dinah Shore
- Frank Sinatra
- Jo Stafford
- Mel Torme
- Sarah Vaughan
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Preserving Songs
To read about efforts to preserve vintage popular songs, click on this link:
Favorite Tunes
Do you have any favorite songs by the songwriters listed above?
Then why not take part in the annual event held each October:
You can also join the web group that sponsors Carry A Tune Week.
Membership is Free.
To join this group, click on this link:
Tune Sources
To read about the music collections, music guides, and CDRs available on vintage songs, go to:
Music Titles from PineTree Press
Centennial Tributes for 2005
by Roger Hall
"Last Night When We Were Young" - Harold Arlen
"The Way You Look Tonight" - Dorothy Fields
"High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me) - Tex Ritter
"Small World" - Jule Styne
"San Antonio Rose" - Bob Wills
The information below includes lists of recommended CDs and web links under each songwriter's name.
Music Lecture
Music preservationist and radio host Roger Hall presented this lecture:
A Centennial Celebration of Songs by Harold Arlen, Dorothy Fields, and Jule Styne
In addition to discussing their life, Mr. Hall played rare recordings of these three songwriters performing their own songs.
The lecture was presented on June 23, 2005, at the Newton Free Library, Newton Centre, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hall has written two reference books:
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores
Remembering Radio - Great Songwriters and Singers
For further information about the songwriters lecture, click on this link:
If you would like to schedule a lecture on vintage songs and songwriters for your organization, write to:
"Last Night When We Were Young"
Harold Arlen (Hyman Arluck)
born: 15 February 1905
died: 23 April 1986
A bit about "Blues in the Night":
One of Harold Arlen's best known songs,"Blues in the Night,"is listed at No. 52 on the Top 100 Songs of the Century
Information about "Blues in the Night" and Harold Arlen's autograph are found in this book:
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores
From an article about Johnny Mercer titled, "Too Marvelous for Words," by Terry Teachout in Commentary magazine (November 2004):
"In tandem with Arlen, whose jazzy, harmonically complex melodies were ideally suited to a lyricist who had grown up listening to black music in Georgia, Mercer produced a series of songs, including 'Blues in the Night' (1941), 'That Old Black Magic' (1942), and 'One for My Baby' (1943), whose darker, more intense tone is plainly indicative of the disruption of his emotional life."
[Note: Mercer had an intense love affair with Judy Garland and was heartbroken when she married someone else. The three Arlen-Mercer songs that Teachout mentions are all from 1940s films and demonstrate the high quality songs being written for films at that time.]
Information about the magazine can be found at:
Ten recommended recordings in alphabetical order:
Arlen Plays Arlen (featuring Harold Arlen's son, Sam - Josam CD, 2005)
Come Rain or Come Shine: The Harold Arlen Songbook (Sylvia McNair & Andre Previn, Philips CD, 1996)
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook (2CDs - 2001/ original recordings, 1960)
Get Happy: The Harold Arlen Centennial Celebration (Verve CD, 2005)
Harold Sings Arlen (with Barbra Streisand)(Columbia Special Products, 1995)
Harold Arlen: Over the Rainbow (Pearl CD, 1997)
Harold Arlen Centennial Celebration (2 CDs, Concord, 2005)
The Song is Harold Arlen (ASV Living Era, 1995)
A STAR IS BORN (remastered 1954 soundtrack with extra tracks, Sony, 2004)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (deluxe edition of the 1939 soundtrack, 2 CDs, Rhino, 1995)
Links:
Harold Arlen Centennial Page (highly recommended!)
"The Way You Look Tonight"
Dorothy Fields
born: 15 July 1905
died: 28 March 1974
"The Way You Look Tonight" was the Oscar-winning song from the Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musical, SWING TIME (1936), with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The song is listed at No. 43 on the Top 100 Songs of the Century.
Information about this song and other movie songs are found in this book:
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores
Dorothy Fields was the first woman songwriter elected into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
Five recommended recordings:
An Evening with Dorothy Fields [LIVE]
Nobody Does It Like Me - A Tribute to Dorothy Fields (Morag McLaren) [CD review]
SEESAW [1973 Original Broadway Cast]
SWEET CHARITY [1966 Original Broadway Cast]
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN [1951 Original Broadway Cast]
Recommended Links:
Dorothy Fields - Songwriters Hall of Fame
"High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)"
Woodward Maurice (Tex) Ritter
born: 12 January 1905
died: 2 January 1974
"High Noon" (Dimitri Tiomkin-Ned Washington) is No. 62 on the Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century
The HIGH NOON score by Dimitri Tiomkin was selected for this web poll:
Top Ten Favorite Scores (1930s-1970s)
A detailed description about the HIGH NOON score & song sung by Tex Ritter are included in this book:
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores
Five recommended recordings:
High Noon - Tex Ritter (Bear Family CD, 1994)
Proper Introduction to Tex Ritter (2004)
Sing Cowboy, Sing - Early Tex Ritter (ASV Living Era CD, 2001)
Tex Ritter - Greatest Hits (Curb CD, 1991)
Very Best of Tex Ritter (Varese CD, 2000)
Recommended Links:
"Small World"
Jule Styne (Julius Stein)
born: 31 December 1905
died: 23 September 1994
"Small World" is listed at No. 75 on the Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century
Jule Styne received one Oscar for his song, "Three Coins in the Fountain" (lyrics by Sammy Cahn)
Information about this song and other movie songs are found in this book:
A Guide to Film Music - Songs and Scores
Five recommended recordings:
FADE OUT FADE IN (original 1964 Broadway cast/ Decca CD, 2003)
FUNNY GIRL (remastered soundtrack/ Sony CD, 2002)
GYPSY (original 1959 Broadway cast/ Sony CD, 1999)
Just in Time: Judy Kuhn Sings Jule Styne (Varese CD, 2003)
PETER PAN (original 1954 Broadway cast/ RCA CD, 1990)
Recommended Links:
Jule Styne - Songwriters Hall of Fame
"San Antonio Rose"
Bob Wills
born: 6 March 1905
died: 13 May 1975
Five recommended recordings:
Boot Heel Drag: The MGM Years (Mercury Nashville 2 CDs)
Essential Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys (Sony CD, 1992)
King of Lonestar Swing (President CD, 2003)
The King of Western Swing (ASV Living Era CD, 1998)
Take Me Back to Tulsa (Proper Box Set - 4 CDs, 2002)
Links:
Send your comments or questions to:
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Order your Books, CDs, DVDs and other products here from Amazon.com -
Centennial Tributes for 2004
by Roger Hall (The Tune Man)
"Tangerine" - Jimmy Dorsey
"Moonlight Serenade" - Glenn Miller
"Ain't Misbehavin' - Fats Waller
You can find a list of recommended CDs after each tribute.
"Tangerine" - Jimmy Dorsey
born: February 29, 1904, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
This well known Big Band musician and band leader was at one time in the 1930s teamed up with his brother Tommy, but they formed their own Big Bands during the 1940s. Both of the Dorsey Brothers were featured in 1940s musicals.
One of his biggest hit recordings for Jimmy Dorsey, with vocal by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly was "Tangerine"(Victor Schertzinger-Johnny Mercer) from THE FLEET'S IN (1942). Even though the song was one of the year's biggest hits, it wasn't Oscar nominated. He was also in the lackluster film: THE FABULOUS DORSEYS (1947), which is only worth watching for good music by Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey and other musicians.
An excellent compilation CD of Dorsey Brothers music is: Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey: Swingin' in Hollywood.
During the mid-1950s, both Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey hosted a TV program known as "Stage Show," produced by Jackie Gleason as a filler for his Saturday night show, "The Honeymooners." On the night of January 28, 1956, a young singer from Memphis made the first of six appearances on the Dorsey Brothers TV show. The singer's name was...Elvis Presley.
Jimmy Dorsey died of Cancer in New York, NY on June 12, 1957. His brother, Tommy, had died the year before on November 26, 1956.
For a more complete biography, go to:
"Moonlight Serenade" - (Alton) Glenn Miller
born: Clarinda, Iowa, March 1, 1904
Glenn Miller was a highly accomplished trombonist but he is probably best rememered for leading several outstanding Big Bands and recording a series of some of the biggest hits of the Big Band Era. Here are a few of them: "Little Brown Jug"; "Tuxedo Junction"; "Chattanooga Choo Choo;" "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo"; "Pennsylvania 6-5000." He also wrote a few memorable songs, especially his haunting theme: "Moonlight Serenade." Miller reportedly wrote part of this theme as early as 1936 while studying with Dr. Joseph Schillinger. A few years later, Miller needed a B-side for his A-side song, "Sunrise Serenade," a Robbins Music manager, Abe Olman, suggested the B-side be called: "Moonlight Serenade." The record was recorded on April 4, 1939 and went on to become one of Miller's first big hits. Miller reportedly later said: "Moonlight is my baby and still my favorite in the book. There simply aren't enough 'o's in 'smooth' to describe it." [This information from notes by Colin Escott in the excellent 2-CD set: The Essential Glenn Miller (RCA) ]
In 1993, I hosted a four hour nightly radio show titled: "In The Mood"
There are several CDRs available of excerpts from this show. One of these is "Top Ten Big Band Themes." Can you guess what the number one theme is? To see the playlists for the radio show, go to:
The theme I chose for my radio show was naturally by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, but not the 1939 hit version. Instead, I played the longer version used in the first movie featuring Glenn and his Orchestra, titled: SUN VALLEY SERENADE, 1941.
You can read about the two movies featuring the original Glenn Miller Orchestra at:
Tragically, the plane that was carrying Glenn Miller to Paris was lost at sea over the English Channel on December 15, 1944. But during his relatively short life, he created a style of music that still resonates with those who love Big Band music today.
One of the best summations is this one:
"Glenn Miller's life cannot be summed up in a few words. He put more in his short life of 40 years than most people do in a longer lifetime." This quote is from an excellent web site: The Glenn Miller Birthplace Society:
Believe it or not, the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra under the musical direction of Larry O'Brien is still playing an average of 300 dates a year. To read about them, look at:
Here are a few of the original Glenn Miller hits worth ordering:
Glenn Miller - Greatest Hits (RCA)
The Essential Glenn Miller (RCA - 2 CDs)
The Golden Years, 1938-1942 (Proper Box - 4 CDs) - great value!
"Ain't Misbehavin'" - Thomas Wright (Fats) Waller
born: May 21, 1904, New York, New York
Like Jimmy Dorsey and Glenn Miller, Fats Waller was both a very talented musician and a good orchestra leader. Fats Waller was known mostly for his terrific piano playing and his bubbly personality reflected in his singing. He also played organ, led his own band, and wrote many popular songs, such as: "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose." Both songs had lyrics by the ably talented Andy Razaf. Other memorable songs by Waller and Razaf include these: "Stompin' at the Savoy"; "Memories of You"; and the incredibly moving song: "(What Did I Do To Be So) Black and Blue."
Like Glenn Miller, Fats had a very short life perhaps made possible by his high living of whiskey, women and partying.
He died of pneumonia on December 15, 1943, while returning by train from the West Coast after stopping at Kansas City, Missouri.
Ironically, Glenn Miller died on the very same day, one year later.
Here are a few recommended Fats Waller CDs:
The Very Best of Fats Waller (RCA)
The Very Best of Fats Waller (Collector's Choice)
The Definitive Fats Waller, Vol. 1: His Piano, His Rhythm (Jazz Classics)
A Handful of Keys (Live)(Buddha/BMG)
Centennial Tributes for 2003
"Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day") - Bing Crosby
"Buttons and Bows" - Bob Hope
Celebrating the Bing and Bob Centennials
By Roger Hall
Bing Crosby (1903-1977) and Bob Hope (1903-2003) both worked mostly at Paramount Pictures.
It was my greatest pleasure to pay tribute to these two great entertainers in an illustrated lecture: "Thanks for the Memories: Bing and Bob in Hollywood".
The lecture was presented at the Newton Free Library in Newton, Massachusetts on 12 June 2003.
Together they originated the buddy movie concept (The Crooner and the Comedian), later used by Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis. Bing and Bob did a series of 7 ROAD movies between 1940 and 1962.
For some of their Road movies, their music director was the talented Victor Young (1900-1956), conductor and composer of over 300 film scores.
Young was also conductor and arranger for Bing Crosby's radio show and on many of his hit records, including the Billy Hill western song classic, "Empty Saddles," from Bing's favorite movie role in RHYTHM ON THE RANGE (1936). That song plus another popular song from the movie - Johnny Mercer's "I'm An Old Cowhand" - is available on a highly recommended CD:
Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks)
Crosby and Hope had more Oscar-winning songs between them than any other singers - six in all (Bing had four Oscar winners and Bob had two winners). Bing Crosby also had the most Oscar-nominated songs with 14 from films between 1934 and 1956.
Are you a fan of their buddy movies? You can get the songs from 6 of them (ROAD TO SINGAPORE, ROAD TO ZANZIBAR, ROAD TO MOROCCO, ROAD TO UTOPIA, ROAD TO RIO, ROAD TO BALI) on this CD:
Hit the Road with Bing and Bob: Original Film Sountracks (Jasmine, 2 CDs, 2003)
For more on film songs and scores, go here:
Film Music Review (From the Editor)
"Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day)" - Harry Lillis (Bing) Crosby
Born: Tacoma, Washington, 3 May 1903
Died: Madrid, Spain, 14 October 1977
Recommended book: Bing Crosby - A Pocketful of Dreams: The Early Years, 1903-1940 by Gary Giddens (Little, Brown and Company, 2001, 728 pages).
Excerpt from the Introduction of the Giddens book:
"It is impossible to regard Bing Crosby as a historical figure without considering some of his statistics. If nothing else they reveal his predominance over popular entertainment from Prohibition until the mid-1950s, when his decline as the nation's predominant muse was signaled by the comeback of a newly charged Sinatra and the arrival of Elvis - the former marketed to adults, the latter to their children. During Crosby's reign, that split did not exist.
- He was the first full-time vocalist ever signed to an orchestra.
- He made more studio recordings than any other singer in history (about 400 more than Sinatra).
- He made the most popular record ever, 'White Christmas,' the only single to make American pop charts twenty times, every year but one between 1942 and 1962. In 1998. after a long absence, his 1947 version hit the charts in Britain.
- Between 1927 and 1962 he scored 368 charted records under his own name, plus twenty-eight as vocalist with various bandleaders, for a total of 396. No one else has come close; compare Paul Whiteman (220), Sinatra (209), Elvis (149), Glenn Miller (129), Nat "King" Cole (118), Louis Armstrong (85), the Beatles (68).
- He scored the most number one hits ever, thirty-eight [38]...."
For more statistics see the Giddens book, page 9.
Recommended Bing Crosby Single CDs and Sets:
- A Centennial Anthology of Decca Recordings (MCA, 2 CDs - 50 tracks, 2003)
- Bing! His Legendary Years, 1931-1957 (MCA, 4 CDs, 1993)
- Bix 'N' Bing (Bix Beiderbecke and Bing Crosby)(ASV Living Era, 1992, 20 tracks)
- Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks)
- Going Hollywood, Vol. 1: 1930-1936 (Jasmine, 1998, 2 CDs)
- Going Hollywood, Vol. 2: 1936-1939 (Jasmine, 2000, 2 CDs)
- Going Hollywood, Vol. 3: 1940-1944 (Jasmine, 2002, 2 CDs)
- Going Hollywood, Vol. 4: 1944-1949 (Jasmine, 2003, 2 CDs)
- I'm an Old Cowhand - Bing Crosby (ASV Living Era, 1995, 25 tracks)
- It's Easy to Remember (Proper Box - 4 CDs, 2002)
Recent DVDs of Bing Crosby Musicals:
- BIRTH OF THE BLUES/ BLUE SKIES (Double Feature) - Universal
- A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT/ THE EMPEROR WALTZ
- RHYTHM ON THE RANGE/ RHYTHM ON THE RIVER (Double Feature) - Universal
- HIGH SOCIETY (1956) - Warner Home Video
- PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (1936) - Columbia Tristar
See how many Bing Crosby songs are on this list:
Top 100 Songs of the 20th Century
To read about Bing's Christmas hit records, go to:
Top Ten Favorite Christmas Songs
For more about Bing Crosby, see these recommended web sites:
Steven Lewis' Bing Crosby Internet Museum (the best web site for information on Bing)
Bing Crosby - A Celebration of His Life
Bing's Friends & Collectors Society
"Buttons and Bows" - Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope
Born: Eltham, England, 29 May 1903
Died: Toluca Lake, California, 27 July 2003
He lived to the amazing age of 100 and had an amazing career from vaudeville to radio to movies and finally television.
He entertained the troops from World War II onward and the households of countless millions during peacetime.
So "thanks for the memories," Mr. Hope...may you rest with a smile on your face from bringing laughter to everyone you entertained. You were one-of-a-kind.
Recommended CDs:
- Hit the Road with Bing and Bob: Original Film Sountracks (Jasmine, 2 CDs, 2003)
- Legends & Songwriters in Concert (1941)(Oiriginal Cast, 2 CDs, 1998)
- Put It There Pal! Bob Hope & Friends (Jasmine, 2 CDs, 1999)
- Thanks for the Memory: Centennial Issue (ASV Living Era, 2003)
Recommended DVD Set:
Bob Hope - The Tribute Collection: The Road Show Series (4 Road Movies with Bing Crosby on 4 DVDs)
For more about Bob Hope, see these web sites:
Centennial Tributes for 2002
by Roger Hall (The Tune Man)
"I'll Be Seeing You" - Sammy Fain
"You'll Never Walk Alone" - Richard Rodgers
"Till There Was You" - Meredith Willson
"I'll Be Seeing You"
- Sammy Fain Centennial
Born: New York, New York, June 17, 1902
Died: Los Angeles, California, December 6, 1989
He was born Sammy Feinberg in New York City and became a self-taught pianist and songwriter while still a youngster. Later he got a job as song plugger and eventually he had his own songs published. During the late 1920s he became known as "The Crooning Composer" because of his singing in vaudeville, radio and records.
His first big hit was "Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella" (1927 - lyrics by Irving Kahal and Pierre Norman). He then teamed up with Irving Kahal and had a string of hits, including: "I Left My Sugar Standing in the Rain" (1927 - Bing Crosby and the Rhythm Boys); "You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me" (lyrics by Kahal and Norman fr0m THE BIG POND, 1930); "By A Waterfall" (from 1933 Warner Bros. musical, FOOTLIGHT PARADE); "I Can Dream, Can't I?" (from TIGHT THIS WAY, 1938); "That Old Feeling" (lyrics by Lew Brown, from VOGUES OF 1938); and "Old Sad Eyes" (1942) - written for Irving Kahal's dog and just before Kahal's death.
Between the 1930s and the 1970s, he wrote popular songs for the movies. He received 7 Oscar nominations between 1937 and 1977 and they include: "April Love" (1957), "A Very Precious Love" (1958), and "Tender is the Night" (1962). Fain won Oscars for "Secret Love" (1953) and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing"(1955) - both songs have lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.
He also wrote some very popular Disney songs, such as: "I'm Late" (1949 - lyrics by Bob Hilliard - from ALICE IN WONDERLAND); and "You Can Fly" (1953 - lyrics by Sammy Cahn - from PETER PAN).
Probably his most beautiful song is: "I'll Be Seeing You" (lyrcis by Irving Kahal). This song was first sung by Tamara in the 1938 musical, RIGHT THIS WAY. The song became especially popular during the World War II years and was recorded by such artists as Hildegarde, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby (who sang it in the 1944 film with the same title as the song). It was the No. 1 song of 1944. In the 1950s, the song was used by Liberace at the close of his TV show.
In 1971, Sammy Fain was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and served on the board of ASCAP from 1979 until his death a decade later.
You can hear the songs mentioned on these two CDs... featuring songs performed by the songwriter himself:
Sammy Sings Fain (Koch International Classics, 1999)
Sammy Sings More Fain (Koch International Classicas, 2002)
"You'll Never Walk
Alone" - Richard Rodgers Centennial
Born: Hammels Station, Long Island, New York, June 28, 1902
Died: New York, New York, December 30, 1979
One of the greatest American songwriters, Rodgers worked with two of the most talented theater lyricists:
Lorenz Hart (from 1919 to 1943)
Major Shows:
On Your Toes, 1936 ("There's a Small Hotel")
Babes in Arms, 1937 ("My Funny Valentine"; "The Lady is a Tramp")
The Boys from Syracuse, 1938 ("Falling in Love with Love")
Too Many Girls, 1939 ("I Didn't Know What Time It Was")
Pal Joey, 1940 ("Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered")
Oscar Hammerstein II (from 1943 to 1960)
Major Shows:
Oklahoma 1943 ("Oh What a Beautiful Mornin' "; "People Will Say We're in Love" )
Carousel, 1945 ("If I Loved You"; "You'll Never Walk Alone")
South Pacific, 1949 ("Some Enchanted Evening"; Younger Than Springtime")
The King and I, 1951 ("Getting to Know You"; "Something Wonderful")
The Sound of Music, 1959 ("Climb Ev'ry Mountain"; "My Favorite Things")
Richard Rodgers worked with other lyricists after the death of Oscar Hammerstein, including:
Stephen Sondheim (Do I Hear a Waltz?, 1965)
Martin Charnin (Two by Two, 1970; I Remember Mama, 1970)
[part of the above information compiled from the entry by Ronald Byrnside, Deane L. Root, Gerald Bordman in The New Grove Dictionary of American Music, Volume 4, 1986]
Essay: "Running Into Richard Rodgers"
The year was 1967 and I attended the New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. I was most interested in seeing the new Swedish film, ELVIRA MADIGAN, with music by Mozart and Vivaldi. But I was unprepared for the way it ended so tragically. I was dumbfounded and deeply touched. Even when the director, Bo Widerberg, got up and received a standing ovation, I wasn't paying much attention. It was if I was in a trance.
I slowly walked out of the theater and joined the crowd pushing its way down the stairs. Suddenly behind me was in a big hurry and bumped into me and I lost my footing. I had to hold onto the railing to keep from running into the old gentleman in front of me. I said "excuse me" and walked in front of this gentleman.
Then I looked back and noticed who he was - it was Richard Rodgers himself! He was being helped slowly down the stairs by his wife.
I thought to myself - just think what might have happened if I did accidentally push Mr. Rodgers down the stairs.
The screaming newspaper headline might read:
"Reckless Fan Pushes Great Songwriter Down the Stairs and into the Hospital!"
What a legacy that would have been!
As one of his greatest songs, which is one of my favorites, is "You'll Never Walk Alone."
If I had pushed Mr. Rodgers down those stairs, I would have "walked alone" - to jail!
Fortunately it never happened and he lived on for many more years.
So on this centennial year, I remember that time I (literally) ran into Richard Rodgers.
Now I can laugh about it and enjoy his great music like everyone else.
--Roger Hall, 28 June 2002
Selected CDs of music by Richard Rodgers from Amazon.com:
Oklahoma (Original 1943 Broadway cast)(Polygram)
Pal Joey (1950 studio cast)(Sony)
Richard Rodgers: Greatest Hits (RCA)
Richard Rodgers' 100th Birthday (DRG)
Victory at Sea (1952 TV series arranged and conducted by Robert Russell Bennett)
Wall to Wall Richard Rodgers (Varese)
For information about Richard Rodgers classical works, see:
"Till There Was You" - Meredith Willson Centennial
Born: Mason City, Iowa, May 18, 1902
Died: Santa Monica, California, June 15, 1984
(Robert Reiniger) Meredith Willson was a composer, lyricist, conductor, and flutist. He played in John Philip Sousa's famous band while still a student at the Julliard School in New York. He also played flute in the New York Philharmonic between 1924 and 1929. Willson later worked on both radio and television as a composer and conductor for ABC and NBC.
Even though he composer some classical music (including two symphonies), Meredith Willson is known for his three major theater musicals which he wrote both the words and music;
The Music Man, 1957 ("Seventy-six Trombones"; "Till There Was You")
The Unsinkable Molly Brown, 1960 ("I Ain't Down Yet"; "Belly Up to the Bar, Boys")
Here's Love, 1963 ("Arm in Arm"; "You Don't Know")
He also wrote a novel and three books of memoirs, between 1948 and 1959.
The Meredith Willson Library of Popular American Sheet Music is located at the University of California in Los Angeles.
[above information compiled from the entry by Larry Stempel in The New Grove Dictionary of American Music, Volume 4, 1986]
Selected CDs of music by Meredith Willson shows from Amazon.com:
The Music Man (1957 Broadway cast)(Capitol)
The Music Man (1962 movie soundtrack)(Warner Bros.)
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1960 Broadway cast)
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964 movie soundtrack)
Centennial Tributes for 2001
By Roger Hall (The Tune Man)
"The Waltz You Saved For Me" - Wayne King
"Thanks for the Memory" - Ralph Rainger
"I'm Just A Vagabond Lover" - Rudy Vallee
"The Waltz You Saved For Me" - Wayne King Centennial
Known as "The Waltz King," he was a songwriter, saxophonist and bandleader who had a popular "sweet band" during the 1930s.
Wayne King was born in Savannah, Illinois on February 16, 1901. He co-wrote several songs, including:
"Beautiful Love" (words: Haven Gillespie/ music: Victor Young, Egbert Van Alstyne, and Wayne King, 1931)
"Blue Hours" (words: Roy Turk/ music: Jerry Castillo and Wayne King, 1933).
His most popular song was "Josephine" (words: Gus Kahn/ music: Wayne King and Burke Bivens, 1937). King and his orchestra had the biggest selling recording of the song on Victor. It was also recorded by Tommy Dorsey (Victor) and Sammy Kaye (Vocalion).
Because of the popularity of "The Waltz You Saved For Me" (words: Gus Kahn/ music: Wayne King and Emil Flindt, 1930), King used it as his theme song.
Wayne King died in Paradise Valley, Arizona on July 16, 1985.
"Thanks for the Memory" - Ralph Rainger Centennial
One of the most popular movie songwriters during the 1930s. He wrote most of his songs with lyricist Leo Robin.
Ralph Rainger was born in New York City on October 7, 1901.
One of his first hit songs was "Moanin' Low" (words: Howard Dietz) from the 1929 Brodway revue, The Little Show. After he went to Hollywood, he wrote a string of hit songs with Leo Robin, mainly for Bing Crosby movies, including the Oscar-nominated song: "Love in Bloom" from SHE LOVES ME NOT,1934. This song was sung by Jack Benny in COLLEGE HOLIDAY, 1937, and became his theme song from then on for his radio and TV programs.
Other Crosby movie hits by Rainger were:
"Please" (words: Leo Robin) from THE BIG BROADCAST, 1932
"June in January" (words: Leo Robin) from HERE IS MY HEART,1935
"I Wished on the Moon" (words: Dorothy Parker) from THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1936
But Rainger's best known song wasn't for Bing Crosby. It was sung by Bob Hope and Shirely Ross in THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1938. It won the Academy Award for Best Movie Song of 1938. Like with Jack Benny theme song, "Love in Bloom," Bob Hope used "Thanks for the Memory" as his theme song on radio and television for the rest of his career. Two memorable Rainger-Robin songs for two great comedians. Not a bad achievement, is it?
Unfortunately, like George Gershwin, Ralph Rainger died quite young. He was only in his early 40's when he died at Palm Springs, California in 1942.
So, Mr. Rainger, "thanks for the memory" you continue to give us with your memorable melodies!
Book:
There is a chapted devoted to Ralph Rainger in Roy Hemming's wonderful book -
The Melody Lingers On: The Great Songwriters and Their Movie Musicals (paperback, 1999).
CDs:
*A collection with 25 tracks and featuring many of his most popular songs, recorded between 1929 and 1940, is available on this excellent ASV Living Era CD:
Thanks for the Memory: The Songs of Ralph Rainger (1901-1942)
*Another worthwhile collection with songs performed by the songwriters themselves:
Ralph Rainger plays and Leo Robin sings "Love in Bloom" (Jack Benny's theme song). Other songwriters who perform on the 4-CD set from 1940 include: Harold Arlen ("Over the Rainbow"); Irving Berlin ("God Bless America"); Hoagy Carmichael ("Star Dust" and "Little Old Lady"); George M. Cohan (medley of 4 songs); Jerome Kern ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "All the Things You Are"); Johnny Mercer ("Jeepers Creepers"); and many more.
*Another collection with Ralph Rainger performing his songs:
Legends & Songwriters in Concert 1941 (2-CD Set, Original Cast Records)
Rainger performs with Mischa (Jack Benny, violin) on "Love in Bloom" and "Ida Sweet As Apple Cider" (Eddie Leonard-Eddie Muncon).
Bob Hope sings "Thanks for the Memory" --twice!
Other performing songwriters include: Hoagy Carmichael, Rudolf Friml, Mack Gordon & Harry Warren, W.C. Handy, Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby, Arthur Schwartz, and Albert Von Tilzer
"I'm Just A Vagabond Lover" - Rudy Vallee Centennial
One of the first popular singers of the 1920s and '30s was Rudy Vallee. He also had a later career in Broadway shows, such in 1961's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Rudy Vallee was born in Island Pond, Vermont on July 28, 1901. In the late 1920s he formed his own dance band, known as the Connecticut Yankees. Known only did Rudy Vallee play drums, clarinet and sax, but he also was the lead singer. He had a series a hit recordings, including:
"I'm Just A Vagabond Lover" (he co-wrote the song with Leon Zimmerman and it was performed in his movie debut, VAGABOND LOVER, in 1929)
"My Time Is Your Time" (words: Eric Little/ music: Leo Dance, 1929) - Rudy Vallee's theme song for his radio show, The Fleischman Yeast Hour.
"Stein Song " - became official song of the University of Maine in 1910; recorded by Rudy Vallee in 1930 and was No. 1 for 10 weeks - one of his most popular recordings.
"The Whiffenpoof Song" - originally written for a branch of the Yale University Glee Club in 1909; recorded by Vallee in 1936 and became a huge hit.
Rudy Vallee died in North Hollywood, California on July 3, 1986
SOURCES: Some of the information about Wayne King, Ralph Rainger and Rudy Vallee was gathered from Lissauer's Encyclopedia of Popular Music in America.
Centennial Tributes for 2000
by Roger Hall (The Tune Doc)
"Star Dust" - Mitchell Parish
"Stella By Starlight" - Victor Young
"Star Dust" - Mitchell Parish Centennial
Last year there were two centennial anniversaries which relate to Mitchell Parish - one for Hoagy Carmichael (born: Bloomington, Indiana, 22 November 1899); and the other one was Edward (Duke) Ellington (born: Washington, DC, 29 April 1899). Mitchell Parish wrote lyrics for both of these giants of American song.
Parish was born Michael Hyman Peretz in Lithuania. When he was seven months old, his family came to America and settled in Louisiana. When he was four, the family moved to New York City. Parish changed his first name to Mitchell when he began as a songwriter in 1919. Over his long career from the 1920s to the 1950s, he wrote over lyrics for many hit songs.
Here are 10 of them:
"Sweet Lorraine" (1928) - music: Cliff Burwell
"Star Dust" (1929) - music: Hoagy Carmichael [ No. 1 on Top Ten Song Favorites from Sheet Music magazine readers - see Best Songs of the Century below ]
"Sophisticated Lady" (1933) - music: Duke Ellington
"Stars Fell on Alabama" (1934) - music: Frank Perkins
"Deep Purple" (1939) - music: Peter DeRose [ No. 7 on Song Favorites from SM readers ]
"Moonlight Serenade" (1939) - music: Glenn Miller
"Sleigh Ride" (1949) - music: Leroy Anderson
"Tzena, Tzena, Tzena" (1950 - English lyrics) - music: Issachar Miron and Julius Grossman
"Ruby" (1953) - music: Heinz Roemheld
"Volare/ Nel Blu, Dipento di Blu" (1958 - English lyrics) - music: Domenico Modugno
--Part of the above information from Tony Hill's mini-biography at - http://us.imdb.com
Do you have a favorite Mitchell Parish song among the ten songs listed above?
If you do, tell me which one. Send your comments to: American Songwriters and Singers
To read the tribute, click on this link:
"Stella By Starlight - Victor Young Centennial
Anniversary Tributes for 1999
by Roger Hall (The Tune Doc)
"Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" - Fred Astaire (100th)
"Georgia on My Mind" - Hoagy Carmichael (100th)
"Moon River" - Johnny Mercer (90th)
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord" - Thomas A. Dorsey (100th)
"Mod Indigo" - Duke Ellington (100th)
"The Last Round-Up" - Billy Hill (100th)
"Without a Song" - Billy Rose (100th)
"Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" - Fred Astaire Centennial
Generally considered to be the greatest popular dancer of this century, Fred Astaire [Frederick Austerlitz] was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 10, 1899. He died in Los Angeles, California on June 22, 1987. In addition to his superb dancing, he was also a fine singer who introduced more great songs than any other singer during the 1930's and '40's. He skillfully combined elements of ballet, ballroom, jazz and tap dancing in his many classic routines on Broadway and especially in his Hollywood films. His first dance partner was his sister, Adele.
When he went to Hollywood, he eventually teamed up with Ginger Rogers, beginning in 1933. Their musicals are probably the best ever made, with songs by such great songwriters as: Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, and George and Ira Gershwin.
Here are my choices of the Top Five Astaire-Rogers Hollywood musicals in chronological order:
1. THE GAY DIVORCEE (1934) - "The Continental" (first Oscar winning song).
2. TOP HAT (1935) - "Cheek to Cheek" (Oscar nominated song).
3. FOLLOW THE FLEET (1936) - "Let's Face the Music and Dance."
4. SWING TIME (1936) - "The Way You Look Tonight" (Oscar winning song).
5. SHALL WE DANCE (1937) - "They Can't Take That Away From Me" (George Gershwin's only Oscar nominated song - see Tune Talk).
Fifty years ago, in 1949, Fred Astaire received a special Academy Award for his contributions to the film musical, which were considerable.
His charm and grace will continue to fascinate and enchant moviegoers who value the excellence of great dancing and subtle singing (with perfect diction too).
Recommended CDs:
Fred Astaire At M-G-M (2 CD Rhino set)
Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers At RKO (2 CD Rhino set)
Steppin' Out: Astaire Sings (Verve)
Steppin' Out (Tony Bennett sings Fred Astaire)(Sony)
"Georgia On My Mind" - Hoagy Carmichael (100th anniversary)
"Moon River" - Johnny Mercer (90th anniversary)
1999 was a special anniversary year of births for these two great songwriters who worked together.
Hoagy [Hoagland] Carmichael was born 100 years ago in Bloomington, Indiana on November 22, 1899. Johnny Mercer was born 90 years ago in Savannah, Georgia on November 18, 1909 [For more information on JM, go to Links ]
Recommended CDs of Hoagy Carmichael's songs:
Capitol Sings Hoagy Carmichael (1995)
Recommended Johnny Mercer CDs:
An Evening with Johnny Mercer (1997)
Collectors Series - Johnny Mercer (1989)
Johnny Mercer - Some of the Best (1997)
Radio Tributes:
(1) One hour radio program from November 22, 1989 with birthday tributes to Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer, featuring many of their songs. Audio tape or CDR
(2) One hour brithday tribute to Hoagy Carmichael on "IN THE MOOD" radio show on November 22, 1993.
Both programs were compiled by Roger Hall. They are available on cassette tape or CD-R.
To order either or both tapes, send your request to: American Songwriters and Songs
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To find other related books, audio tapes and CDs, use the Bookshelf Search at: FILM MUSIC REVIEW
In association with Amazon.com, you may order these books from them:
Steps in Time: An Autobiography. By Fred Astaire (now out-of-print, but may still be available).
The Stardust Road (1945) and Sometimes I Wonder (1965): The Autobiography of Hoagy Carmichael. Paperback, 1999.
Johnny Mercer: the Life, Times and Song Lyrics of Our Huckleberry Friend. By Bob Bach and Ginger Mercer (paperback, 1987).
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord" - Thomas A. Dorsey (100th anniversary)
Born in Villa Rice, Georgia on July 1, 1899. Died in Chicago on January 23, 1993. Known as the "Father of Black Gospel Music," Thomas Dorsey was a songwriter, singer and pianist. In his early years, he was known as "Georgia Tom" and played for the great blues singer, Ma Rainey.
Over his long music career, he wrote thousands of blues songs and more than 800 gospel songs, including: "If You See My Savior"; "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"; "(There Will Be) Peace in the Valley" (recorded by Elvis Presley); and "This Little Light of Mine."
In 1992, he was honored for his long career and for coming up with the term "gospel songs," with a Trustees Award from the National Academy of Recordings Arts & Sciences.
Recommended Book:
The Rise of Gospel Blues: The Music of Thomas Andrew Dorsey. By Michael W. Harris (paperback, 1994).
Recommended CD:
Precious Lord - Recordings of the Great Gospel Songs of Thomas A. Dorsey.
19 songs, including: "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" (Marion Williams); "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley" (R.H. Harris); "If You See My Savior" (Alex Brafford); "Old Ship of Zion" (Bessie Griffin); and "I'll Tell It Wherever I Go" (Sallie Martin). Columbia /Legacy CK57164, 1994.
Recommended Video:
Say Amen, Somebody - this outstanding 1982 documentary film features "Professor" Thomas A. Dorsey, "Mother" Willie Mae Ford Smith and other great gospel singers. Whenever Thomas Dorsey appears on camera he lights it up, even with his sad droopy face hound dog face. This man had great spiritual power! But he also had his weaknesses in his younger days. All aspects of his life is discussed in this superb documentary, as well as that of Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith.
If you love gospel music, this is a terrific collection of inspiring gospel songs and is not to be missed.
Say Amen, somebody!
"Mood Indigo" - Duke Ellington Centennial
He was born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899; died in New York City on May 24, 1974. One of the giants of American music and considered by many to be the greatest jazz composer of this century. He was incredibly prolific and wrote works for stage, films, sacred music, concert hall [ AMERICAN COMPOSERS ] and many songs. Among his best known songs are: "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (1942); "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" (1932); "Mood Indigo" (1931); "Solitude" (1935); "Sophisticated Lady" (1933); and "Satin Doll" (1958). His theme song was "Take the A Train" (1941) by Billy Strayhorn.
To add a personal note...
Duke Ellington has always been one of my favorite jazz artists. I got the opportunity to play his records on my radio show, "IN THE MOOD." On August 16, 1993, I opened my very first show with four classic Ellington sides from the early 1930's: "Ring Dem Bells", "Mood Indigo"; "Rockin' in Rhythm"; and "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." I continued to play his great swing records from the 1930's and '40's. If Benny Goodman was called the "King of Swing," then Duke deserves the title: "King of Everything"!
Happy 100th, Mr. E!
Recommended Books:
Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington. By John Edward Hasse. Foreword by Wynton Marsalis. (Paperback, 1995).
Music is My Mistress. By Duke Ellington (paperback, 1988).
A Few Recommended CDs:
American Songbook Series: Duke Ellington. Smithonsonian Institution CD, 1993.
16 Most Requested Songs. Columbia CD, 1994.
"The Last Round-Up" - Billy Hill Centennial
Do you remember songs like "The Glory of Love" and "The Last Round-Up?" Who doesn't remember them if you're a vintage song fan. But do you know who wrote those songs?
Well, the songwriter who wrote the words and music for these songs was Billy Hill.
1999 was the centennial of his birth.
Here's a little background about this great western songwriter, with some of the information sent in by a very knowledgeable record authority, Larry Hopper. Thanks, Larry. Additional material was provided by Billy Hill's daughter, Lee.
================================
William J. Hill was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1899. After moving south of the city to Weymouth, he played football and studied violin while in high school. He was offered a football scholarship to Harvard College, but turned it down to continue his violin studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. His teacher was Karl Muck, conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Billy hoped to get a permanent position with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. But he changed his mind and went out West instead. He held several different jobs, including a dishwasher at several roadhouses, a mining clerk in Death Valley, and he was a cowpuncher in Montana. He later formed the a dance band in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This was believed to be the FIRST jazz band in the West. In 1930, he and his new bride moved to New York City and he got a job as a doorman at the Essex House on Fifth Avenue. While still working and trying to pay the rent in their small Greenwich Village apartment, he wrote songs to supplement his meager wages.
He almost sold his greatest song,"The Last Roundup," for just $25. Fortunately, Gene Buck, President of ASCAP loaned him some money so he could get the song published by a reputable outfit. After that his songs continued to grow in popularity.
His wife, Dedette Lee Hill, also wrote a few song lyrics, including "Old Folks" (music by Willard Robison) in 1938; and "Who Calls?" (music by Johnny Marks) - Dedette dedicated this song to Billy. It was published in 1941 by Harms. Recommended CD sung by Bing Crosby: Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks)
Billy made perhaps his last public appearance in the Cavalcade of American Music before over 17,000 people at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco on September 24, 1940. I paid tribute to the 50th anniversary of this Cavalcade in 1990 on morning radio talk show in the Boston area. Besides playing Billy Hill, I also played others who sang or played their hit songs at that historic 1940 event. They include some of the greatest songwriters of this century: Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Harry Warren, and others. This radio program is available on cassette tape.
To get a copy of the "Cavalcade of American Music - 50th Anniversary" tape or CD-R, write to:
American Songwriters and Singers
Exactly three months after the Cavalcade appearance, Billy Hill was dead. He died in a Boston hotel room on December 24 (Christmas Eve) of 1940 at the still young age of 42. He was buried in Weymouth Village cemetery.
So let's remember this wonderful songwriter who brightened so many days.
Young was also conductor and arranger for Bing Crosby's radio show and on many of his hit records, including the Billy Hill western song classic, "Empty Saddles," from Bing's favorite movie role in RHYTHM ON THE RANGE (1936). That song plus another popular song from the movie - Johnny Mercer's "I'm An Old Cowhand" - is available on a highly recommended CD:
Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks) .
===========================
Ten Popular Billy Hill Songs (listed alphabetically):
| "Call of the Canyon" (1940) - words
& music by Billy Hill - his last hit song. Popular recordings made
by Tommy Dorsey (Frank Sinatra, vocal), Glenn Miller, Kay Kyser, and Gene
Autry, who sang it in his 1940 western film, MELODY RANCH, and also in CALL
OF THE CANYON in 1942.
"Empty Saddles" (1934) - poem by J. Keirn Brennan; music by Billy Hill. Introduced by Bing Crosby in Paramount film, RHYTHM ON THE RANGE (1936). Recommended CD sung by Bing Crosby: Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks) "The Glory of Love" (1936) - words & music by B.H. First recorded by Rudy Vallee (Melotone). Benny Goodman also recorded the song, with Helen Ward as vocalist (Victor). In 1957, there was a real tear-jerker recording of this song by the Doo Wop group, The Velvetones. More recently, it was featured in GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? (1967) and Bette Midler sang it in BEACHES (1988). "Have You Ever Been Lonely (Have You Ever Been Blue)"(1933) - lyrics by Billy Hill (under the pseudonym of George Brown); music by Peter DeRose. Introduced by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra. "In the Chapel in the Moonlight" (1936) - words & music by B.H. Hit recordings made by Shep Fields and Ruth Etting. Kitty Kallen had a hit (on Decca) with this song in 1954 and Dean Martin (on Reprise) in 1967. "The Last Round-Up" (1933) - words & music by B.H - his first big hit. The song was introduced at the Paramount Theater in NYC by Joe Morrison with George Olsen and his orchestra (Columbia - No. 1 for 9 weeks in 1933). Other recordings by Bing Crosby (a wonderful setting on Brunswick), Rudy Vallee (Bluebird), Conrad Thibault (Victor), Arthur Tracy (Vocalion), and other singers. The song was featured in several movie westerns: THE SINGING HILLS (Gene Autry, 1941); DON'T FENCE ME IN (Roy Rogers, 1945); and THE LAST ROUNDUP (Gene Autry's favorite western, 1947). Recommended CD sung by Bing Crosby: Cowboy Country Crosby Style (Jasmine, 2003, 21 tracks) "On a Little Street in Singapore" (1940) - words & music by Billy Hill and Peter DeRose. Hit records by Jimmy Dorsey, vocal by Bob Eberly (Decca) and Harry James with Frank Sinatra as vocalist (Columbia). "There's a Cabin in the Pines" (1933) - words & music by B.H. Introduced by George Olsen's orchestra, with vocal by Lorette Lee. Other recordings made by Mildred Bailey (Brunswick), Bing Crosby, and Johnny Mercer (Varsity). "They Cut Down the Old Pine Tree" (1929) - words & music by Edward Eliscu, Billy Hill (listed as "George Brown")and Willie Raskin. Hill's first hit song. Popular recording made by Gene and Glenn. "Wagon Wheels" (1931) - lyrics by Billy Hill; music by Peter DeRose. The song was introduced by Everett Marshall in ZIEGFIELD FOLLIES OF 1934. Popular recordings by George Olsen (Victor), Spade Cooley (Victor), Sy Oliver (Decca), Tommy Dorsey (Victor), and singers Frank Luther (Mellotone) and Paul Robeson (Victor). |
For more about Billy Hill, go to: Cowboy Song Corral
"Without A Song" - Billy Rose [William Rosenberg] Centennial
Born in Bronx, New York on September 6, 1899. He died in Montego Bay, Jamaica on February 10, 1966. Lyricist and theatrical impressario, Billy Rose wrote over 400 songs, most of them in the 1920's and '30's. They include: "That Old Gang of Mine" (1923); "Tonight You Belong to Me" (1926); "Me and My Shadow" (1927); "Back in Your Own Backyard" (1928); "There's a Rainbow 'Round Your Shoulder" (1928); "Without a Song" (1929); "It Happened in Monterey" (1930); and "It's Only a Paper Moon" (1933). In addition to his songwriting, he also was a night club owner and producer for such extravagent musicals as: Jumbo and Diamond Horseshoe.
Recommended Book:
Only a Paper Moon: The Theatre of Billy Rose (hardcover, 1987)
Recommended CD:
Let Me Sing and I'm Happy - Al Jolson at Warner Bros., 1926-1936. Of the 23 songs on the CD from the original soundtracks sung by Al Jolson, 3 of them have lyrics by Billy Rose: "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder"; "Back in Your Own Backyard"; and "I'm in Seventh Heaven." Rhino Movie Music/Turner Classic Movie Music R2 72544.
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