4 – THE JAZZ AGE

The Roaring Twenties really began at the end of World War One and ended on Black Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1929 when Wall Street collapsed. In between, the world entered the modern age. People migrated to the big cities. Americans grew up and went crazy - all in the same breath. Morals changed radically and many of the old taboos were dead. It was the most hysterical and frantic era of the 20th century, a decade of hedonistic escapism.

America went on a ten year binge. Although Prohibition (the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, enforced by The Volstead Act of 1920 to 1933) was in effect, Americans surged to speakeasies, the underground nightclubs which featured watered down booze and a wild new music called jazz. In Manhattan alone, there were over 500 speakeasies. Radio came into its own and in 1927, the first partial talking picture, "The Jazz Singer" starring the one and only Al Jolson, revolutionized the industry.

If anything, the 1920's encouraged lunacy on a grand scale. It was the decade of "flaming youth," flappers, rumble seats, petting parties, marathon dance events, goldfish eating contests, racoon coats, bathtub gin, yo-yos, flagpole sitting, six day bicycle races and an energetic dance craze called the Charleston. The new heroes were Rudolph Valentino, Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Charles Lindbergh (Lucky Lindy) and F. Scott Fitzgerald. "It," the ultimate in sexual attraction was a commodity originated by "The It Girl" herself, film star Clara Bow.

Women shed their high button shoes and restrictive hobble skirts of the previous decade in favour of low waisted chemises cut to the knee. The modern woman bobbed her hair, rolled her stockings below the knee, donned fringed shimmy dresses and smoked in public.

Hip flasks filled with "hootch" became the rage and rum running between Canada and the U.S. was a quick way of making money. The mob moved in and bootlegging became big business. The newspapers were full of the scandalous escapades of gangster kingpin Al Capone.

The Roaring Twenties came to a shuddering halt when Wall Street laid an egg on that fateful day in 1929, triggering the beginning of The Great Depression. People were jumping out of windows while others sat stunned, trying to figure out where they'd been for the last ten years.

But what of the commercial music of that zany era? The songs were bright and bubbly, full of wonderful nonsensical lyrics and most of all, memorable. Many of our greatest standards were created by Tin Pan Alley tunesmiths during this period. And more than anything, America wanted to dance!

DANCING DAYS

The 1920's was "the" dance era. There were exciting little "speaks" featuring small jazz combos and gigantic ballrooms which presented the popular dance bands of the day such as Whiteman and Goldkette. Mirrored balls rotated overhead and taxi-dancing (featuring the ten cents a dance girls) was in full flower.

Many of the popular dance trends had originated in the black community, later going mainstream. The most celebrated dance fad was of course the Charleston. No other dance before or since has generated such fanaticism. It was performed in some of the oddest locales including the wing of an airplane in flight. Women's fashions were specifically designed to allow the full freedom needed to execute the dance. Fringes and tassles were hung on loose waistless chemises to give the illusion of constant motion. All of the new dances were energetic to say the least.

In the late 1920's, the college campus was one of the main breeding grounds for the new dance styles. Those days, if you didn't dance, you were a wallflower. Everything was "razz-ma-tazz," "boop-oop-a-doop" and "vo-de-oh-doh." It was the decade of "shake it, break it, throw it on the wall."

DANCE CRAZES

THE SHIMMY (1918)

It was reputedly perfected by the fabulous Mae West and commercially popularized by Gilda Gray in The Ziegfeld Follies. The dance consisted of shaking the entire body seductively in time with the music. Simply put, it was a hoochie coochie dance.

THE CHARLESTON (1923)

The dance was said to be originated by black dockworkers in Charleston, South Carolina. It could simply be described as a one legged kick on a twisted hop. The most popular dance of the 1920's, it was first performed commercially by Elizabeth Welch in the all black revue, "Runnin' Wild." The hit song, "The Charleston," written by Cecil Mack and pianist/composer James P. Johnson was originally recorded by Arthur Gibbs & His Gang (Jan., 1924)#1 and later became a hit for Paul Whiteman (Oct., 1925)#5. As a dance trend, it was promoted by Charleston champion Bee Jackson. The world went Charleston crazy. Along with the twist (see American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties), it was one of the two most popular dances of the century.

THE BLACK BOTTOM (1926)

A dance involving the slapping of the posterior combined with sluggish footwork as if danced in mud. Blues singer Alberta Hunter claimed to have invented it. The hit recording of "The Black Bottom"(Dec., 1926)#3 was by Johnny Hamp.

THE VARSITY DRAG (1927)

A short lived Charleston-based dance introduced by Zelma O'Neal in the Broadway show, "Good News." The hit recording of "The Varsity Drag"(Nov.,1927)#4 was by George Olsen & His Orchestra. Both "The Varsity Drag" and "The Black Bottom" were written by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson.

THE POPULAR STARS OF THE TWENTIES

AL JOLSON

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

THE COON-SANDERS NIGHTHAWKS

• 1918 - Nine piece dance band formed in Kansas City by singer/ drummer Carlton A. Coon (Feb. 5, 1894 - May 4, 1932) and singer/ pianist Joe L. Sanders (Oct. 15, 1896 - May 14, 1965).
• A goodtime razz-ma-tazz band with an oddball sense of humour.
• 1924 - The band moved to Chicago, broadcasting on WGN radio.
• 1931-1932 - They were the resident attraction at The Hotel New Yorker.
• 1932 - Disbanded after Coon's death.
• Later, Sanders formed his own band.
• Hits include "Some Little Bird"(Aug., 1921)#9, "Yes Sir, That's My Baby"(Nov., 1925)#11, "Flamin' Mamie"(May, 1926)#15, "Down Where The Sun Goes Down"(Nov., 1928)#16 and "Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now"(April, 1932)#20.

EDDIE CANTOR

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

HELEN MORGAN

• See The Torch Singer

HELEN KANE

• Helen Schroder (Aug. 4, 1908 - Sept. 26, 1966)
• Singer/actress born in The Bronx, New York.
• Began her career in vaudeville.
• 1927 - Got her big break in the musical, "A Night In Spain."
• 1928 - Introduced her classic rendition of Kalmar & Ruby's "I Wanna Be Loved By You"(Nov., 1928)#2 in the Broadway show, "Good Boy."
• Became known as "The Boop-oop-a-doop Girl."
• Her squeaky voiced style later became the stereotypical idea of what female vocalists sounded like in the 1920's. Not true - Kane was unique. So much so that she became the model for the Betty Boop cartoon character. However, contrary to widespread belief, character actress Mae Questel, not Kane supplied the voice for Betty Boop.
• 1928-1930 - Kane, with her baby face and trademark spit curls epitomized the flapper on Broadway and in early talkies. However, the novelty was short lived and her career faded in the 1930's.
• 1950 - Provided the vocals for Debbie Reynolds who portrayed her in the movie musical, "Three Little Words."
• Hits include "That's My Weakness Now"(Sept., 1928)#5, "Get Out And Get Under The Moon"(Sept., 1928)#8, "Me And The Man In The Moon"(Feb., 1929)#8, "Button Up Your Overcoat"(March, 1929)#3 and "Do Something"(July, 1929)#12.
• Recommended track - "He's So Unusual"(June, 1929) from the film, "Sweeties." In 1983, rock singer Cyndi Lauper revived it brilliantly in her debut album, "She's So Unusual."

RUDY VALLEE & HIS CONNECTICUT YANKEES

• Herbert Pryor Vallee (July 28, 1901 - July 3, 1986)
• Singer/saxophonist/clarinettist/bandleader/actor born in Island Pond, Vermont.
• Raised in Westbrook, Maine.
• Considered to be one of the first crooners.
• Famous for his wavy hair and his trademark megaphone.
• 1921 - Formed his own band while attending The University Of Maine.
• 1928 - Formed The Connecticut Yankees.
• His catch phrase was "Heigh ho everybody!"
• Nov. 20, 1929 - Began broadcasting his first NBC radio variety hour.
• Nicknamed "The Vagabond Lover" after his hit song, "I'm Just A Vagabond Lover"(July, 1929)#5 from the film, "The Vagabond Lover."
• 1931 - Appeared on Broadway in "The George White Scandals Of 1931."
• Caused an uproar when he publicly labelled jazz "Ubangi tripe."
• His music career peaked in the 1930's but he remained a celebrity on television well into the 1970's.
• Oct., 1940 - Sang "Empty Saddles" at the funeral of cowboy star Tom Mix.
• During World War Two, he was director of The U.S. Coast Guards Band.
• Appeared in several film musicals including "The Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend" (1949) and "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes"(1955).
• 1961 - Appeared on Broadway in "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying." He also starred in the film version in 1966.
• Hits include "Marie"(March, 1929)#2, "Honey"(March, 1929)#1-8 wks., "My Time Is Your Time"(June, 1929)#8 (Vallee's theme song), "Stein Song (University Of Maine)"(March, 1930)#1-10 wks., "Brother Can You Spare A Dime"(Nov., 1932)#1-2 wks., "Vieni Vieni"(Oct., 1937)#1 and "As Time Goes By"(March, 1943)#1-4 wks.

WHISPERING JACK SMITH

• Jack Smith (1899 - May, 1951)
• Singer.
• Nicknamed "The Whispering Baritone."
• After an exploding gas shell accident during World War One, he developed his half singing, half whispering style.
• Became more popular in England than America.
• Hits include "Cecilia"(Jan., 1926)#7, "Gimme A Little Kiss, Will Ya Huh?"(June, 1926)#1-2 wks., "Baby Face"(Dec., 1926)#6 and "Me And My Shadow"(July, 1927)#1-4 wks.

CLIFF EDWARDS

• (June 14, 1895 - July 17, 1971)
• Singer/ukelele player/actor born in Hannibal, Missouri.
• Nicknamed "Ukelele Ike," he was responsible for the mass popularity of the ukelele during the 1920's.
• His style was jazzy and kooky, spiced with double entendres.
• With pianist Bob Carleton, he popularized Carleton's immortal "Ja Da," one of the earliest jazz hits.
• Nov., 1923 - Went solo.
• Between 1923 and 1933, he cut over 125 sides, reportedly selling more than 74 million records.
• 1924 - Appeared in the show, "Lady Be Good."
• 1927 - Appeared in "The Ziegfeld Follies."
• 1929 - Introduced the Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown classic, "Singing In The Rain"(July, 1929)#1-3 wks. in the landmark film, "Hollywood Revue Of 1929."
• Appeared in over 50 films.
• 1939 - Provided the voice for Walt Disney's Jiminy Cricket character in the animated film, "Pinocchio."
• His private life was plagued by alcoholism.
• 1969 - Entered Virgil Convalescent Hospital, an actor's nursing home in Hollywood as a relief patient supported by the Actor's Fund.
• July 17, 1971 - Died of a heart attack. Having no living relatives, his body was buried unclaimed.
• Hits include "It Had To Be You"(Aug., 1924)#6, "Hard Hearted Hannah"(Oct., 1924)#13, "Sunday"(Jan., 1927)#3, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love"(Sept., 1928)#1 and "When You Wish Upon A Star" (Feb., 1940)#10.

GENE AUSTIN

• Eugene Lucas (June 24, 1900 - Jan. 24, 1972)
• Singer/songwriter/pianist/actor from Gainsville, Texas.
• The most popular male vocalist of the late 1920's.
• Nicknamed "The Voice Of The Southland."
• 1915 - Ran away from home to join the circus.
• During World War I, served as a soldier in Mexico.
• 1919 - Formed his first band.
• 1923 - Began his career in vaudeville with singer Roy Bergere.
• 1924 - Went solo, perfecting his high tenor vocal style, later becoming a huge success on radio.
• 1924 - His first hit was "How Come You Do Me Like You Do."
• 1924-1942 - It is estimated that he sold over 86 million records.
• Along with Bing Crosby, Russ Columbo and Rudy Vallee, Austin was one of the top crooners.
• Dec., 1927 - His classic recording of "My Blue Heaven," written by Austin and Walter Donaldson went to #1-13 wks. It sold over 7 million discs and was one of the biggest selling records of the pre-1955 period.
• 1933 - Began performing regularly with guitarist Otto "Coco" Heimal and bassist Candy Candido.
• 1936 - Appeared in the Mae West film, "Klondike Annie."
• Hits include "Yes Sir, That's My Baby"(Aug., 1925)#1-7 wks., "Five Foot Two"(March, 1926)#1, "Bye Bye Blackbird"(July, 1926)#1 -3 wks., "Tonight You Belong To Me"(Feb., 1927)#1-3 wks., "Ramona"(May, 1928)#1-8 wks., "Jeanine (I Dream Of Lilac Time)" (Sept., 1928)#1-5 wks. and "Carolina Moon"(Feb., 1929)#1-7 wks.

RUTH ETTING

• See The Torch Singer

GEORGE OLSEN & HIS MUSIC

• George Olsen (March 18, 1893 - March 18, 1971)
• Sweet bandleader born in Portland, Oregon.
• Established his first band after World War I.
• Featured musicians included singer/trumpeter Fran Frey, pianist Eddie Killfeather and Olsen's wife, vocalist Ethel Shutta.
• The band appeared in several Broadway musicals including "Kid Boots"(1923), "The Ziegfeld Follies"(1924), "Sunny"(1925) and "Good News"(1927).
• Nov. 15, 1926 - Olsen's band was featured at the NBC debut program.
• His signature tune was "Beyond The Blue Horizon" and his closing number was "Going Home Blues."
• 1951 - Retired to open a restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey.
• March 18, 1971 - Died in Paramus, New Jersey.
• Hits include "Who?"(Jan., 1926)#1-6 wks., "Always"(April, 1926)#1 -3 wks., "At Sundown"(May, 1927)#1-3 wks., "The Varsity Drag" (Nov., 1927)#4, "Doin' The Racoon"(Dec., 1928)#5, "A Precious Little Thing Called Love"(Feb., 1929)#1-2 wks., "Lullaby Of The Leaves"(May, 1932)#1-2 wks., "Say It Isn't So"(Sept., 1932)#1-2 wks. and "The Last Roundup"(July, 1933)#1-9 wks.

PAUL WHITEMAN

• See Jazz

THE RHYTHM BOYS

• Feb., 1927 - The Rhythm Boys vocal trio was formed as a featured act for The Paul Whiteman Orchestra.
• Consisting of lead singer Bing Crosby (Harry Lillis Crosby) (May 2, 1903 - Oct. 14, 1977), Al Rinker (Dec. 20, 1907 – ) (brother of jazz singer Mildred Bailey) and singer/songwriter/ pianist Harry Barris ( – Dec. 13, 1962).
• Known for their clever harmonies and creative jazzy arrangements, their style was built around Crosby's smooth easy going voice.
• Barris composed several standards including "Mississippi Mud," "I Surrender Dear" and "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams."
• 1930 - Crosby turned his attention to a solo career (see The Sing Era).
• Hits include "I'm Coming Virginia"(Sept., 1927)#6 and "Louise" (June, 1929)#6.

GUY LOMBARDO

• See Jazz

THE REVELERS

• The most famous vocal group of the 1920's.
• Evolved out of The Shannon Four, originally formed in 1917.
• Consisting of Franklyn Baur (1904 - Feb. 24, 1950) (first tenor), Lewis James (tenor), Elliot Shaw (baritone), Wilfred Glenn (bass) and Ed Smalle (1887 - Nov. 23, 1968) (pianist/arranger).
• Also recorded as The Singing Sophomores.
• 1928 - Baur went solo, becoming known as "The Voice Of Firestone." He was replaced by James Melton (1904 - April 21, 1961). Melton later went on to become an opera singer and film star.
• Hits include "Dinah"(Jan., 1926)#4, "The Blue Room"(Oct., 1926) #3, "Lucky Day"(Dec., 1926)#10 and "A Cottage For Sale"(May, 1930)#18.

SOPHIE TUCKER

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

NICK LUCAS

• (Aug. 22, 1897 - July 28, 1982)
• Singer/guitarist from Newark, New Jersey.
• Began as the banjo player for the Russo-Fio Rita band.
• Became known as "The Singing Troubadour," famous for his incredibly high tenor voice.
• Sept., 1929 - His classic recording of "Tip Toe Through The Tulips" from the film, "The Gold Diggers Of Broadway" went to #1- 10 wks. It was later spoofed in a 1968 recording by Tiny Tim (#17).
• 1929 - Introduced "The Only Song I Know" in the film, "The Show Of Shows."
• 1974 - Enjoyed a comeback of sorts, singing on the soundtrack of the film remake of "The Great Gatsby."
• Hits include "Brown Eyes, Why Are You Blue"(Dec., 1925)#2, "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover"(April, 1927)#2, "Side By Side" (July, 1927)#3 and "Painting The Clouds With Sunshine"(Oct., 1929)#2.

BESSIE SMITH

• See The Blues

IRVING AARONSON & HIS COMMANDERS

• Irving Aaronson (1895 - May 10, 1963)
• Bandleader/pianist/composer.
• 1906 - Age 11, played piano in the cinema.
• Became a member of Sophie Tucker's band.
• His early bands included The Versatile Sextette and The Crusaders Dance Band.
• Formed Irving Aaronson & His Commanders, at time featuring Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw.
• Later became the musical director of MGM movies.
• Hits include "Let's Misbehave"(March, 1928), "Don't Look At Me That Way"(June, 1928) (vocals by Irene Bordoni), "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love"(Jan., 1929)#5 and "Pardon My Southern Accent" (Sept., 1934)#5.

JESSE CRAWFORD

• (1896 - May 28, 1962)
• Pipe organ soloist.
• Rose to fame playing at Los Angeles' Grauman's Theatre.
• 1926-1932 - He and his wife had a huge following at The Paramount Theatre in Times Square, New York City.
• Played during silent films, later working for NBC radio dramas.
• During the late 1930's, led his own dance band.
• Nicknamed "The Poet Of The Organ" and "The Master Of The Stunning Crescendo And The Exquisite Diminuendo."
• Hits include "Rose Marie"(April, 1925)#15 and "Diane"(Dec., 1927).

ROGER WOLFE KAHN

• (1908 - July 12, 1962)
• Alto saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist/composer/bandleader.
• Millionaire son of banker Otto Kahn.
• Played 15 instruments.
• 1923 - Age 15, formed his first dance band.
• 1925 - Appeared in "Vogues Of 1925."
• 1928 - Composed the music for 2 shows, "Americana Of 1928" and "Here's Howe" (featuring "Crazy Rhythm").
• Owned his own cabaret, "Le Perroqet de Paris."
• Hits include "Mountain Greenery"(Sept., 1926)#4, "Sometimes I'm Happy"(July, 1927)#5, "Russian Lullaby"(July, 1927)#1-3 wks. and "Crazy Rhythm"(Aug., 1928)#10.

TED LEWIS

• Theodore Leopold Friedman (June 6, 1892 - Aug. 25, 1971)
• Clarinetist/singer/songwriter/bandleader born in Circleville, Ohio.
• 1911-1915 - Played in vaudeville bands, later joining Earl Fuller's band.
• 1917 - Formed his own orchestra.
• Famous for his battered top hat, slow drawling vocals and his sluggish clarinet style.
• May, 1920 - His theme song, "When My Baby Smiles At Me" went to #1-7 wks.
• Nov. 23, 1926 - Played on Sophie Tucker's recording of "Some Of Those Days."
• 1927 - Began performing Billy Rose's "Me And My Shadow."
• 1929 - Starred in the film, "Is Everybody Happy?" (his famous catch phrase), introducing "I'm The Medicine Man For Your Blues" (Aug., 1929)#10.
• Known as "The High Hatted Tragedian Of Song."
• Film appearances include "Here Comes The Band"(1935), "Hold That Ghost"(1941) and "Follow The Boys"(1944).
• Aug. 25, 1971 - Died in New York City.
• Hits include "All By Myself"(Sept., 1921)#1-4 wks., "O! Katharina"(April, 1925)#1, "Just A Gigolo"(Jan., 1931)#1-2 wks., "In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town"(June, 1932)#1-10 wks. and "Lazybones"(July, 1933)#1-4 wks.

HARRY RICHMAN

• Harry Reichman (Aug. 10, 1895 - Nov. 3, 1972)
• Singer/pianist/songwriter/actor from Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Former vaudeville pianist for Nora Bayes and Mae West.
• Famous for his resonant theatrical singing style and his trademark top hat and cane.
• Became a big star on Broadway and in films, radio and nightclubs.
• Broadway credits include "The George White Scandals" of 1926 and 1928 and "Say When"(1934).
• Films include "Puttin' On The Ritz"(1930) and "The Music Goes Round"(1936).
• Feb., 1930 - His signature tune, "Puttin' On The Ritz" went to #1.
• 1930 - Appeared with Gertrude Lawrence in the Broadway show, "International Revue" where he introduced "On The Sunny Side Of The Street"(April, 1930)#13 and "Exactly Like You"(May, 1930)#12.
• 1935 - As a pilot, he set a world altitude record.
• 1966 - His autobiography, "A Hell Of A Life" was published.
• Hits include "The Birth Of The Blues"(Oct., 1926)#4, "Blue Skies" (May, 1927)#13 and "There's Danger In Your Eyes, Cherie"(March, 1930)#4.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

• See Jazz

BEN BERNIE & HIS LADS

• Ben Bernie (Benjamin Woodruff Anzelovitz) (May 30, 1891 - Oct. 20, 1943)
• Violinist/bandleader from New York City.
• Began in a vaudeville act called Bernie & Baker with accordionist Phil Baker.
• 1922 - When Baker joined the navy, Bernie formed his first band.
• Known for his catch phrase "Yow-sah, yow-sah, yow-sah!"
• His band was very popular with the college crowd.
• Often dubbed "The Old Maestro."
• Hits include "Swinging Down The Lane"(June, 1923)#2, "Sweet Georgia Brown"(June, 1925)#1-5 wks., "Sleepy Time Gal"(Feb., 1926)#1-4 wks., "Ain't She Sweet"(April, 1927)#1-4 wks. and "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover"(April, 1927)#3.

ANNETTE HANSHAW

• (Oct. 18, 1910 - March 14, 1985)
• Singer from New York City.
• 1925 - Age 15, discovered by impresario Herman Rose whom she later married.
• Nicknamed "The Personality Girl."
• Often compared to Bing Crosby vocally.
• 1933 - Age 23, retired to become a housewife.
• Hits include "For Old Times Sake"(Nov., 1928)#10, "Lovable And Sweet"(Aug., 1929) and "Big City Blues"(Aug., 1929)#10.

FRANK CRUMIT

• (Sept. 26, 1889 - Sept. 7, 1943)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/ukelele player/actor born in Jackson, Ohio.
• 1910 - After graduating from college, he worked as an engineer for 2 years, later becoming a song and dance man in vaudeville.
• 1918 - Crumit was the juvenile lead in the Broadway show, "Betty Be Good."
• 1919 - Signed to Columbia Records.
• 1924 - Signed to Victor.
• April, 1927 - Recorded one of his most popular discs, "Abdul Abulbul Amir," written by Irish composer Percy French in 1890.
• Crumit was the first popular entertainer to record sympathetic versions of traditional folk songs. He was a great influence on artists such as Burl Ives and George Formby.
• 1928 - He and his wife, Julia Sanderson debuted their own radio program and by 1930, they had a continent-wide audience.
• 1939 - Began hosting the radio game show, "The Battle Of The Sexes."
• Sept. 7, 1943 - Died in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
• Hits include "O! By Jingo! Oh! By Gee!"(July, 1920)#3, "So Long, Oo-Long (How Long You Gonna Be Gone)"(Aug., 1920)#7, "Chili Bean" (Aug., 1920)#4, "Sweet Lady"(Dec., 1921)#3, "Old Fashioned Love" (Jan., 1924)#4, "'S Wonderful"(Jan., 1928)#5 and "A Gay Caballero"(Dec., 1928)#2.

MORTON DOWNEY

• (1902 - Oct., 1985)
• Tenor balladeer.
• In the early 1920's, sang with Paul Whiteman.
• 1929 - Appeared in the films, "Lucky In Love" and "Mother's Boy."
• 1931 - Began hosting radio programs well into the 1940's.
• Hits include "The Lonesomest Girl In Town"(Jan., 1926)#12, "I'll Always Be In Love With You"(May, 1929)#9, "They Didn't Believe Me"(Oct., 1934)#15 and "The Old Lamplighter"(Dec., 1946)#16.

FANNY BRICE

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

ISHAM JONES

• (Jan. 31, 1894 - Oct. 19, 1956)
• Pianist/tenor saxophonist/pianist/bassist/composer/bandleader born in Coalton, Ohio.
• 1914 - Organized his first orchestra in Saginaw, Michigan.
• 1915 - While studying advanced music in Chicago, he worked as a sideman in local bands.
• Organized his own professional band in Chicago, debuting at The Rainbow Gardens.
• Procured a 6 year engagement at The College Inn.
• Regarded by many critics as the best pre-swing era band. Dec., 1921 - His recording of "Wabash Blues" went to #1-6 wks.
• 1924 - The Isham Jones Band appeared at The Kit Kat Club in London, England.
• Composed some 200 songs including the standards "It Had To Be You," "The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else" and "I'll See You In My Dreams" (these 3 with Gus Kahn).
• In the 1930's, Gordon Jenkins was his main arranger. After 1936, he concentrated on his songwriting.
• Oct. 19, 1956 - Died in Hollywood, Florida.
• Hits include "On The Alamo"(May, 1922)#1-4 wks., "Swingin' Down The Lane"(Aug., 1923)#1-6 wks., "Spain"(June, 1924)#1-2 wks., "It Had To Be You"(July, 1924)#1-5 wks., "I'll See You In My Dreams" (March, 1925)#1-7 wks., "Remember"(Dec., 1925)#1 and "Star Dust" (Sept., 1930)#1.

BEN SELVIN

• (1898 - July 15, 1980)
• Violinist/bandleader born in Manhasset, New York.
• 1917 - Formed his first band, Selvin's Novelty Orchestra.
• During his distinguished career, Selvin recorded more discs than anybody else in the world - 9,000 under 39 different names for 9 different companies beginning in 1919.
• Basically, Selvin was a recording artist rather than a live performer. Many of his recordings featured session artists.
• Jan., 1920 - His milestone recording of "Dardanella" went to #1- 13 wks. It sold 6,500,000 copies without the benefit of radio or motion picture plugging, an astounding feat. It has often been considered the first example of boogie woogie in American music. It was originally titled "Turkish Tom Toms."
• March 14, 1963 - He was presented with a gold disc by RCA Victor on his retirement.
• Later worked for the Muzak Corporation.
• Hits include "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles"(Oct., 1919)#1-4 wks., "Yes! We Have No Bananas"(Sept., 1923)#1-2 wks., "Manhattan" (Oct., 1925)#1-4 wks., "Blue Skies"(April 1927)#1-2 wks., "Happy Days Are Here Again"(March, 1930)#1-2 wks.(featuring The Crooners vocal trio) and "When It's Springtime In The Rockies"(June, 1930) #1-3 wks.

JIMMY DURANTE

• See Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER JAZZ AGE RECORDINGS

• Vaughn Deleath - "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"(Oct., 1927)#4.
• Jan Garber & His Orchestra - "Baby Face"(Sept., 1926)#1-6 wks.
• Wendell Hall - "It Ain't Gonna Rain No Mo'"(Jan., 1924)#1-6 wks.
• Marion Harris - "Tea For Two"(Jan., 1925)#1-3 wks.
• The Ipana Troubadors - "Paddlin' Madelin' Home"(Feb., 1926)#8.
• Charles King - "Broadway Melody"(July, 1929)#10.
• Nat Shilkret & The Victor Orchestra - "Hallelujah"(July, 1927)#3.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 3: Jazz
• Chapter 5: The Blues
• Chapter 6: The Torch Singer
• Chapter 11: Tin Pan Alley
• Chapter 12: The Musical - Stage And Film
• Chapter 13: Vaudeville, Music Hall And Cabaret

BIBLIOGRAPHY