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.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Humpty Dumpty

This encore from 2011 is a 1935 animated short by Ub Iwerks with music by Carl Stalling. Humpty Dumpty, Jr. and Easter Egg escape a villianous "Bad Egg" by falling into a pot of hot water, thus becoming "hard boiled" characters. (Groan!). From the Internet Archive, here is Humpty Dumpty.

Sunrise Serenade: Mairzy Doats

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was "Mairzy Doats" by the Merry Macs. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

TCM In March

Mary Astor Humprhey Bogart Maltese Falcon

The Hollywood Revue's preview of March programming on Turner Classic Movies it out. The Star of the Month is Mary Astor (here with Bogie in The Maltese Falcon), and 24 hour movie marathons featuring her will start every Wednesday.

Sunrise Serenade: I Just Got A Letter

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "I Just Got A Letter" by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra with Marion Hutton on vocals. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Playlist For February 26, 2014

The playlist for the February 26, 2014 broadcast of the Swing Shift Shuffle, has been added to the playlist filing cabinet.

The Story Of Caleb Scott

Here is an interesting story, posted on Four Color Shadows, with no hero. The protagonist, Caleb Scott, has an obsession that he pursues at all costs to the bitter end.

Sunrise Serenade: Take The "A" Train

This morning's Sunrise Serenade was the classic "Take The 'A' Train" by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Hop Like A March Hare

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 Jaredan and Brooke with music by Brooke. 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: "That's What You Think"

Today's Sunrise Serenade was "That's What You Think" by Gene Krupa and His Orchestra with Anita O'Day on vocals. Click on the song title to listen courtesy of Jazz On Line.

Monday, February 24, 2014

1934 BMW R7 Motorcycle

Although it never went into production, elements of the 1934 BMW R7 motorcycle appeared on other BMW models, and it foreshadowed features of modern bikes. Retronaut posted some great photos and commentary about the cycle.