Playlist For October 31, 2012

The playlist for the October 31, 2012 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle - Halloween Special - has been added to the playlist filing cabinet. 

Happy Halloween! Special Show Tonight!

Don't keep it a secret!  Tell everyone about the Swing Shift Shuffle Halloween Special tonight!  Thanks to Film Noir Photos for the pic of Joyce Holden in seasonally appropriate attire. 

Sunrise Serenade: Pig Foot Pete

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Pig Foot Pete" by Ella Mae Morse.  Enjoy the video from YouTube.

Stay Warm With Rags And Hops

The Tiger Rag happens tomorrow night and every Wednesday at the Madison Dance Studio inside Minglewood Hall at 1555 Madison Avenue at 8:00 p.m. You can also sign up for a series of dance classes taught every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. More info here. 

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room.  Free admission and lesson before 7:00 p.m., and $5 cover at the door afterwards.  The lesson will be by Matt and Jasmine, with music by Bethany.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

Sunrise Serenade: Your Socks Don't Match

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Your Socks Don't Match" by Bing Crosby and Louis Jordan.  Click on the  song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Olympic Trailer Park 1940

Ansel Adams shot these photos, posted on Retronaut, of life in the Olympic Trailer Park in 1940.  While the quarters may have been somewhat cramped by today's standards, everything appears to be neat and clean, and some of the cars parked near the trailers were only a few years old at the time. 

Sunrise Serenade: Rip Van Winkle

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Rip Van Winkle" by Ella Mae Morse.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

A Coach For Cinderella

Made by Chevrolet, that is.  In another Jam Handy short, a group of elves construct a coach for Cinderella so she can attend the Prince's ball.  After building the coach from sticks, flowers, pumpkins, etc.; they put it through a "Modernizer," which transforms it into the new Chevrolet for 1936.  Old Cindy is riding in style.  Listen for "Peanut Vendor" as the Modernizer does its work.  From the Internet Archive, here is A Coach For Cinderella.

Sunrise Serenade: Benny's Coming Home On Saturday

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Benny's Coming Home On Saturday" by Ella Fitzgerald.  Click on the song title for a sample from emusic, or click here for the album page.

Hollywood 1944

There is an interesting post on Movie Morlocks, the official Turner Classic Movies blog, summarizing the contents of some 1940's movie magazines.  In addition to Hollywood gossip, these articles provide insight into some of the everyday considerations on the home front.  For example, Victory Gardens:

According to Photoplay, Janet Gaynor had the most elaborate garden, because she owned a farm. Everything on her table came from her farm, including the milk, which came from her goats. Gaynor’s garden may have been extensive, but Deanna Durbin’s beets were so big she had “to dig them up with a shovel.” On the other end of the spectrum, Ann Sothern knew little about living on a farm or gardening. She planted her corn in a single row, which meant it did not cross-pollinate. As a result, there were no ears on her corn.

Sunrise Serenade: Texas And Pacific

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Texas And Pacific" by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Playlist For October 24, 2012

The playlist for the October 24, 2012 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has been added to the playlist filing cabinet. 

Prestone Goes To War

Here is another patriotic ad from World War II posted on Modern Mechanix.  This Prestone Anti-Freeze ad from the January 1942 issue of Mechanix Illustrated not only touts the benefits of the product and its military uses, it also explains that, while some may be available for private use, the overwhelming demand of the war effort will "probably" not be sufficient to meet all civilian needs.

Sunrise Serenade: Harlem Holiday

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Harlem Holiday" by Cab Calloway and his Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Wednesday And Friday Rags And Hops Continue

The Tiger Rag happens tomorrow night and every Wednesday at the Madison Dance Studio inside Minglewood Hall at 1555 Madison Avenue at 8:00 p.m. You can also sign up for a series of dance classes taught every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. More info here. 

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room.  Free admission and lesson before 7:00 p.m., and $5 cover at the door afterwards.  The lesson will be by Jaredan and Michelle, with music by Jaredan.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

Sunrise Serenade: My Baby Likes To Bebop

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "My Baby Likes To Bebop" by Ella Fitzgerald.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Newman's Own Navy Beans?

I have already posted a couple of entries about famous movie stars who are more associated with the 1950's than the Swing Era, but about whom I found some interesting information related to the 1940's (see posts about Marilyn Monroe and James Dean).  Here is another example.  Retronaut posted these photos of Paul Newman from his service in the U.S. Navy around 1943. 

Sunrise Serenade: I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling" by Ella Fitzgerald.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

The Big Snooze

Here is another classic Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoon, in which Bugs uses psychological warfare to convince Elmer Fudd not to break up the act.  There is some great Raymond Scott music in this short.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1946 animated short, The Big Snooze.

Sunrise Serenade: Cow Cow Boogie

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Cow Cow Boogie" by Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Minerva Automobiles

I have heard of Minerva automobiles, but I am not familiar with their history.  Dieselpunk posted this great 1931 Art Deco Minerva advertising poster, and provided some interesting background about the automaker.

In 1908, Minerva got a worldwide Knight Engine license. The Knight motor developed by Charles Yale Knight in the United States used double sleeve valves and ran almost silently. All future Minervas would use these engines. Sporting successes continued with the new engines including the Austrian Alpine Trials and Swedish Winter Trials. Customers included the kings of Belgium, Sweden and Norway and Henry Ford.

Sunrise Serenade: I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" by Anita O'Day.  Enjoy the video from YouTube. 

Playlist For October 17, 2012

The playlist for the October 17, 2012 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has been added to the playlist filing cabinet. 

Movie "Memphis Belle" Visits Namesake Town

The original "Memphis Belle" Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is currently undergoing restoration at the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.  Her twin sister, however, will be visiting Memphis this weekend, and rides are available.  This B-17, named "'The Movie' Memphis Belle," was used in the 1990 film Memphis Belle, and although she was built during World War II, she never saw combat.  The aircraft landed Monday at the Olive Branch Airport (8000 Terminal Drive, Olive Branch, MS), and will be open for tours and flights this weekend.  For more information visit libertyfoundation.org. 

Sunrise Serenade: Necessary Evil

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Necessary Evil" by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

More Fall Rags And Hops

The Tiger Rag happens tomorrow night and every Wednesday at the Madison Dance Studio inside Minglewood Hall at 1555 Madison Avenue at 8:00 p.m. You can also sign up for a series of dance classes taught every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. More info here. 

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room.  Free admission and lesson before 7:00 p.m., and $5 cover at the door afterwards.  The lesson will be by Kirk and Angela, with music by Jaredan.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

Sunrise Serenade: Star Dust

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Star Dust" by Louis Armstrong.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Ghost Who Walks

As noted by Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine, the Phantom has been a very popular comic character for many years and in many countries, even if he is not as well known today in the U.S.  Still, he appeared in newspaper comic strips, comic books, a movie serial 1943, and even in a major feature film in 1996.  Pappy posted this Phantom story from 1951.

Sunrise Serenade: Hong Kong Blues

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Hong Kong Blues" by Hoagy Carmichael.  Here is the man himself performing the song in the role of "Cricket" from a clip of the 1944 film, To Have And Have Not, posted on YouTube.

Popeye The Sailor - She Sick Sailors

There is a little cross marketing in this 1944 animated short.  Olive Oyl is entranced by Superman, so Bluto disguised himself as the Man of Steel to win her affections.  At one point, the cartoon even uses the music from the Superman cartoons.  Being a Popeye cartoon, however, we all know how it turns out for Bluto.  From the Internet Archive, here is She Sick Sailors.

Sunrise Serenade: Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Ain't Nobody's Business But My Own" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan.  Enjoy the video from YouTube. 

Typing The Navy Way

I started following Welcome To The Typosphere not long ago.  It is a blog dedicated to typewriters.  I was still using my mom's 1942 Underwood manual typewriter before I could afford a PC back in the days.  WTTT posted this 1944 Navy typing training film from the Internet Archive.  In addition to a quick review of the development of the typewriter (in which my Underwood makes an appearance), this film instructs "women and girls" on the proper methods of typing so their work can be "as important" as work done by men.  Bear in mind, it is a 1944 military training film.  Enough said.

Sunrise Serenade: When The Saints Go Marchin' In

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was an unusual version of "When The Saints Go Marchin' In" by the Golden Gate Quartet.  Click on the song title for a sample from emusic, or click here for the album page.

Playlist For October 10, 2012

The playlist for the October 10, 2012 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has been added to the playlist filing cabinet. 

Hoover Dam Construction

Granted, this mode of transport certainly affords an expansive view, but just looking at it makes me a bit nervous.  Retronaut posted some photos of the construction of the Hoover Dam between 1931-1936 that reveal the massive size of this project.

Sunrise Serenade: Calloway Boogie

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Calloway Boogie" by Cab Calloway.  Enjoy this video featuring the man himself from YouTube.

Crisp Fall Rags And Hops

The Tiger Rag happens tomorrow night and every Wednesday at the Madison Dance Studio inside Minglewood Hall at 1555 Madison Avenue at 8:00 p.m. You can also sign up for a series of dance classes taught every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. More info here. 

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room.  Free admission and lesson before 7:00 p.m., and $5 cover at the door afterwards.  The lesson will be by Amanda and Kirk, with music by Amanda and EJ.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

Sunrise Serenade: Savoy

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Savoy" by Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra.  Enjoy the video from YouTube. 

North American Aviation

Considering the publication and context, it seems like this ad for North American Aviation in the September 24, 1945 issue of Life magazine, posted on Vintage Ads, was purely a public relations effort.  It does not seem aimed at recruiting potential employees, and there seems little point in marketing military aircraft to the general public.  North American produced the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, and the AT-6 Texan trainer.

Sunrise Serenade: Delilah

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Delilah" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Betty Boop: House Cleaning Blues

Betty Boop's place is a mess after an apparently wild party, so she enlists the aid of Grampy and his inventions to help rid herself of the house cleaning blues.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1937 Flesicher Studios cartoon, House Cleaning Blues. 

Sunrise Serenade: I'm Beginning To See The Light

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "I'm Beginning To See The Light" by Harry James and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

On The Set Of Gone With The Wind

Being a fiesty Southern Belle is hard work (especially if you are British), so a break is necessary every once in a while.  Film Noir Photos posted a few candid shots from the set of Gone With The Wind, including this lovely snap of Vivien Leigh. 

Sunrise Serenade: Star Dust

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Star Dust" by Django Reinhardt.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Playlist For October 3, 2012

The playlist for the October 3, 2012 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has been added to the playlist filing cabinet. 

Hawkman & Joe Kubert

Although I did not know his name, I knew the late Joe Kubert's work, because Sgt. Rock was one of my favorite comic books as a kid.  In this posting from Four Color Shadows, we see some early Kubert work on Hawkman. 

Sunrise Serenade: Don't Falter At The Altar

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Don't Falter At The Altar" by Cab Calloway and His Orchestra.  Enjoy the video from Daily Motion.

Cab Calloway-Don't Falter At The Altar-1947 by CASVI_Factory

Rag On And Hop On

The Tiger Rag happens tomorrow night and every Wednesday at the Madison Dance Studio inside Minglewood Hall at 1555 Madison Avenue at 8:00 p.m. You can also sign up for a series of dance classes taught every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. More info here. 

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room.  Free admission and lesson before 7:00 p.m., and $5 cover at the door afterwards.  The lesson will be by Mike and Kimmie, with music by Kimmie.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

Sunrise Serenade: Strange As It Seems

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Strange As It Seems" by Cab Calloway and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Bonnie & Clyde

Yesterday, Bonnie's revolver and Clyde's semi-automatic pistol sold at auction for a combined total of over $500,000.  With no sign of firearms, this 1933 picture of Mr. Barrow and Miss Parker could be of any happy young couple.  Retronaut posted a series of candid photos of Bonnie and Clyde, most of which give a little more indication of their risky occupation.

Sunrise Serenade: I Can't Get Started

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I Can't Get Started" by Bunny Berigan and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.