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.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Sunrise Serenade: Cherokee

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Cherokee" by Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Batteries Of Der Atlantik Wall


Our tour of the Nazi propaganda filmstrip Der Atlantik Wall is starting its final leg, and after last week's scenes of U-boat pens, we now have fortified bunkers  The top bunker even was apparently even named Batterie Todt after the Organization Todt that constructed it.  There is no indication whether the artillery emplacement in the lower photo is the other side of this bunker or not.

Sunrise Serenade: Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Playlist For November 5, 2014

The playlist for the November 5, 2014 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Rangers Of Freedom VS. Superbrian!

According to Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine, Rangers of Freedom was a short lived series about "teenagers in fancy outfits with sharks fins on their heads," whose constant enemy was the evil genius, Superbrain, complete with his oversized cranium.  Pappy's posted this ROF adventure from 1940.

Sunrise Serenade: You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" by Bing Crosby.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Keep Warm With Red Hot Lindy Hop

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues at the Rumba Room this Friday night.  Free beginner lesson at 7:00 p.m.  Free admission before 7:00 and $5 thereafter.  Lesson by Erin and Justin, with music by DJ Justin.
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: At The Woodchopper's Ball

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "At The Woodchopper's Ball" by Woody Herman and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Monday, November 3, 2014

TCM In November

Clara Bow in It
The Hollywood Revue posted its regular monthly preview of Turner Classic Movies programming.  The Star of the Month is a group, specifically the stars of the silent era, such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Mary Pickford, etc.  The Friday Night Spotlight will be on road movies. 

Sunrise Serenade: Swanee River

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