Playlist For June 3, 2015

The playlist for the June 3, 2015 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle has now been added to the playlist filing cabinet.  

Septigenarian Spitfire Pilot Returns To The Air

Remember the story about the 102 year old former Harlem dancer who saw just saw herself in 1940's soundies for the first time?  Well, here is another woman, although only a mere 92 years old, who also got to relive some past glory - behind the controls of a Spitfire!  As the BBC reported, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Ms. Joy Lofthouse, a former Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II, got to fly a Spitfire again.  The ATA was similar to the American Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) program, in which women pilots ferried military aircraft between factories, maintenance units and front-line combat squadrons.  I can only imagine the reactions she got back then when men asked this pretty young girl what she did for the war effort.  "Oh, I just fly Spitfires."

Sunrise Serenade: Route 66

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Route 66" by the Nat King Cole Trio.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Live Music At The Lindy Hop

The Red Hot Lindy Hop lesson and session continues at the Rumba Room this Friday night with live music from the New Memphis Hepcats.  Free beginner lesson at 7:00 p.m., and live music starts at 7:30 p.m.  Admission $7 at the door.  Dress like you are going out!

Rumba Room

303 South Main

Memphis, TN 38103

The University of Memphis RHLH chapter hosts a free beginner swing dance lesson every Monday (except school holidays) in Room 254 of the Roane Field House.  Beginner lesson from 7:00-8:00 p.m., and social dancing and practice until 9:30.  More information here. 

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

Sunrise Serenade: That's Life I Guess

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "That's Life I Guess" by Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra with Billie Holiday on vocals.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Turner Classic Movies In June

Interesting times at TCM this month, reports The Hollywood Revue.  Every Friday in June and July will be installments in the Summer of Darkness festival, during which TCM will focus on film noir.  The Star of the Month will also be shared, as every Wednesday night will feature a legendary pin-up girl like Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable, Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe. 

Sunrise Serenade: What's Your Story, Morning Glory?

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Betty Boop: Kitty From Kansas City

It seems about time for Betty Boop to make another appearance, and this time she stars as the title character of a little singalong featuring Rudy Vallee.  Like many a true artist, Betty was willing to make sacrifices for her art, and she put on a few pounds for this role.  From the Internet Archive, here is the 1931 Max Fleischer cartoon, Kitty From Kansas City. 

Sunrise Serenade: I'd Rather Lead A Band

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "I'd Rather Lead A Band" by Bunny Berigan and His Boys.  Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line. 

Fighting Robots

Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine posted this pair of stories about fighting robots.  In the first, the hero is Robotman, a robot who poses masquerades as a human, and uses his mechanical powers to fight evil.  In the second story, All-American Girl Liberty Bell opposes a scientists plan to have robots fight for the U.S. rather than soldiers.  When the robots go haywire, she makes her point.