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.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I Got A Right To Sing The Blues

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "I Got A Right To Sing The Blues" by Cab Calloway and his Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Monday, July 30, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: All The Things You Are

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "All The Things You Are" by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I See, I See

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I See, I See" by the Andrews Sisters with Carmen Miranda.  Enjoy the video from YouTube.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: How Come?

Although reported a bit late, today's Sunrise Serenade was "How Come?" by Anita O'Day.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Playlist For July 25, 2018

The playlist for the July 25, 2018 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Sunrise Serenade: Bumble Boogie

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Bumble Boogie" by Freddie Martin and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo" by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Monday, July 23, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I Wonder Who Made Rhythm

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I Wonder Who Made Rhythm" by Valaida Snow.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line

Friday, July 20, 2018

Falling Hare

This great Bugs Bunny cartoon has several WW2 references:  censorship, 4F, fuel ration cards, etc.  Found on the YouTube channel 8thManDVD, here is the 1943 Warner Bros. animated short, Falling Hare

Sunrise Serenade: Gotta Go Places And Do Things

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Gotta Go Places And Do Things" by Cab Calloway.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

WEVL's 30th Annual Blues On The Bluff This Saturday!


WEVL FM 89.9, home of the Swing Shift Shuffle, will be hosting its 30th Annual Blues on the Bluff concert this Saturday night, July 21, on the grounds of the Metal Museum overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River.  There will be craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks sold, as well as award-winning BBQ from the Central BBQ Food TruckMemphis Made Brewing will be brewing a special Blues on the Bluff® Craft Beer.  Our silent auction continues, with items from local artists and businesses, and WEVL merchandise will also be available.  There is free guarded parking.  Come enjoy the giant shady oaks, cool river breeze, smell of BBQ, fantastic music, and absolutely the best view of the Mississippi in the entire mid-south!  Advance online discounted ticket sales end midnight Friday.  Hope to see you there!

Sunrise Serenade: The Song Is Ended

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "The Song Is Ended" by the Mills Brothers.  Enjoy the video from YouTube.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Playlist For July 18, 2018

The playlist for the July 18, 2018 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Sunrise Serenade: I'll Get By

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I'll Get By" by Harry James and His Orchestra with Dick Haymes on vocal.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: Old Mother Hubbard

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Old Mother Hubbard" by Ella Fitzgerald.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I Heard

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I Heard" by the Mills Brothers.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line

Friday, July 13, 2018

Pigs In A Polka

Here is another partial Fantasia parody from Warner Bros.  Set to the music of Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dances, this short retells the fairy tale of the Three Little Pigs.  From the 8th Man DVD channel on YouTube, here is the 1942 cartoon, Pigs In A Polka

Sunrise Serenade: 47th Street Jive

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "47th Street Jive" by Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: I Can't Get Started

Today'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

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Playlist For July 11, 2018

The playlist for the July 11, 2018 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Sunrise Serenade: Christopher Columbus

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Christopher Columbus" by the Ink Spots.  Enjoy the video from YouTube.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: The Honeydripper

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "The Honeydripper" by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Monday, July 9, 2018

Cuba In 1933

Vintage Everyday posted this series of photographs taken in Cuba by Fay S. Lincoln in 1933.  Prior to the Revolution in the 1950's, Cuba was a popular holiday destination for Americans.  These pictures show an interesting contrast between the tourist Cuba and some of the economic hardships its people faced. 

Sunrise Serenade: There'll Be A Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "There'll Be A Hot Time In The Town Of Berlin" by Frank Sinatra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Sunrise Serenade: Hip Hip Hooray

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Hip Hip Hooray" by the Four Vagabonds.  Enjoy the video from YouTube.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Playlist For July 4, 2018 - Independence Day Special!

The playlist for the July 4, 2018 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle - Independence Day Special - has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Happy Fourth of July! Independence Day Special Tonight!

Happy Fourth of July!  Join me tonight for the Swing Shift Shuffle Independence Day Special!  We'll be playing great patriotic music from the Swing Era.  Tune in before the fireworks start, and please remember to be safe!

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

July Heats Up With LIve Music At The Lindy Hop


July starts off jumping at the First Saturday RHLH dance with live music from Jeremy Shrader's Quintessentials featuring Michelle Shrader on vocals.  Lindy Hop lesson from 6-7 PM with special guest instructor.  Music and dancing from 7-9 PM.  Cover charge is $10, with student rates available.  More info here.

Sunrise Serenade: Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere" by the Mills Brothers.  Enjoy the video below from YouTube.

Monday, July 2, 2018

New Comic, Old Song

I read the comics section of the newspaper first every morning.  It is a nice way to brace myself for the news.  I would like to send a shout out to Tom Batuik & Dan Davis, creators of Crankshaft, for their prominent feature of a 1930's song in today's strip.  Specifically, the character of Ralph Meckler is listening to "I Can't Get Started With You" while ordering a burger, fries and chocolate malted from a carhop, who apparently does not know what a chocolate malted is.  Years ago, the strip revealed that Ralph had a chance to play with Bunny Berigan's band, so that song is certainly appropriate. 

Sunrise Serenade: Old Man Of The Mountain

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Old Man Of The Mountain" by the Mills Brothers.  Enjoy the video from YouTube