Swing Shift Shuffle

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.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Sunrise Serenade: Well All Right

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Well All Right" by the Andrews Sisters. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Betty Boop: Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers

In this 1933 Max Fleischer short, Betty is a doll (no, literally, a child's toy doll). On being delivered to the toy store, all of the other toys, a majority of which are toy soldiers, make Betty their queen. A grumpy gorilla is after her head (again, literally), however, and the troops must rescue her from the destructive beast. From the Internet Archive, here is Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers.

Sunrise Serenade: How Come

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "How Come" by Anita O'Day. Enjoy the video below from YouTube.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Down The Gasoline Trail

As the Hemmings blog points out, despite nearly 80 years of development, this 1935 Jam Handy film about the internal combustion engine is still both relevant and informative. The basic principles of the four stroke gasoline engine - "suck-squeeze-bang-blow," or (for you technical sorts) intake-compression-power-exhaust - remain the same now as they were in 1935.

Sunrise Serenade: Straighten Up And Fly Right

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Straighten Up And Fly Right" by the Andrews Sisters. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Playlist For April 2, 2014

The playlist for the April 2, 2014 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle, has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.

Mr. Q

This comic, posted on Four Color Shadows, features a mysterious hero - Mr. Q - whose real identity is unknown even to the reader (until the last page anyway). The story is about vigilance against saboteurs on the home front during World War II.

Sunrise Serenade: Rhythm Is Our Business

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Rhythm Is Our Business" by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

No Foolin' - Red Hot Lindy Hop Friday

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues this Friday night at the Rumba Room. Free beginner lesson at 7:00 p.m. Admission $5. Lesson by Matt and Erin with music by Kimmie.

Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

The Tiger Rag lessons and guided practice sessions are in full swing at the Madison Dance Studio in Minglewood Plaza, 1555 Madison Ave Memphis, TN 38104. Learn more and register here.

Sunrise Serenade: Gotta Be Gettin'

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Gotta Be Gettin'" by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra featuring Anita O'Day on vocals. Enjoy the video from YouTube.