The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Belated Happy 100th Birthday Maxine Means McCoy! (A/K/A Mrs. Clyde McCoy)


In his December 3 column, The Commercial Appeal's David Waters reported on the 100th birthday celebration for Maxine Means McCoy, formerly of the "Bennett Sisters," and widow of big band leader and composer Clyde McCoy.  Ms. Means and her sisters came to Memphis in 1937 to audition for McCoy's band at the Peabody.  Although he was only looking for one female singer, he hired them all, and ended up marrying Maxine.  The women called themselves the "Bennett Sisters" because they did not want to be known as the "Means Sisters."  Good marketing call.  McCoy was a popular band leader of the era, and his most famous song was "Sugar Blues," which was recorded by numerous other artists, including Ella Fitzgerald.  Happy Birthday Ms. McCoy! 

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