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Last broadcast on Sun, 1 Nov 2009, 21:00 on BBC Radio 2.
Synopsis
Every Sunday Russell Davies presents the history of popular song, spotlighting its greatest exponents.
He focuses on top songwriters and composers like the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer, as well as some lesser-known names such as Roy Turk and Fred Ahlert; Ted Koehler, Walter Donaldson, Jack Lawrence and Peter Tinturin.
Russell features the artists who gave their songs wings: Fred Astaire, Ella, Bing, Peggy Lee, Sinatra, Julie London, The Mills Brothers, Boswell Sisters and many more. He pays birthday and centennial tributes, marks important deaths, and finds topical items that illuminate the subject in a variety of entertaining ways, with the occasional star interview.
THIS WEEK'S SHOW
Comics are, by and large, creative people so one might expect there to be a fair few who turned their hand to song-writing: In times gone by the two trades of music and laughter went hand in hand and many comedians would conclude their act with a song. So we were a bit surprised at how difficult we found it to think of more than a handful this week when we’d noted Milton Berle’s name as a songwriter. Berle, by the way, was more than just an occasional contributor to the form: Roger Kinkle cites thirty-odd songs credited to him including ‘Lucky Lucky Lucky Me!’ and one of our favourite Spike Jones creations: “Leave The Dishes In The Sink, Ma”! Of course, many comics have contributed novelty/comic songs as part of their act but we’re after those who, like Phil Silvers and Charlie Chaplin, have added standards to the repertoire. Did we forget some obvious ones? Once again, we solicit your assistance and if you can think of any, drop us a line here. So far we’ve added to our short list: Shelton Brooks, whom we know for “Some Of These Days” and “Darktown Strutters’ Ball” but who was first and foremost a vaudeville entertainer; George Jessel, wise-cracking MC and lyricist on occasion (‘Roses In December’ for instance); Steve Allen, not exactly a comedian proper, more a presenter whose act was quite comedy-driven. He wrote ‘This Could Be The Start Of Something’. But who else is there? Over to you. Remember, the likes of Harry Lauder don’t count; songs have to be ‘in general use’!
FEATURED IN THIS WEEK'S SHOW: BUD FLANAGAN & CHESNEY ALLEN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A perfect memento of the lighter side of the late Ian Wallace’s art is EMI’s collection of “The Best Of Ian Wallace” subtitled “Nothing Quite Like It”. Alongside the ever-requested numbers, those Flanders and Swann songs (with Donald Swann’s stunning piano accompaniments) and comedy specials such as “I Can’t Do My Bally Bottom Button Up”, you’ll find glimpses of other facets of this genial gentleman’s talents – Scottish ballads, some Gilbert and Sullivan, Henry Newbolt’s “Drake’s Drum” replete with Massed Brass Bands and The Rossendale Male Voice Choir, a charming dissertation on the legal world to introduce a re-written piece of Gilbertiana, “A Judge’s Life’s A Very Happy One” and lots more: 28 tracks altogether. The number to ask for is CDGO 2056.
Jasmine’s gathering-together of two Sylvia Syms LPs on one CD was, we believe, an excellent idea. With orchestral accompaniment by Ralph Burns on both, they date from 1956 and 1957 respectively and each contains inspired choices of music: a perfect balance between good old friends, forgotten gems and surprising discoveries. From the intensity of Victor Schertzinger’s “I Don’t Want To Cry Any More” to Yip Harburg’s sardonic “Down With Love”, from her tender approach to Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “So Far” from ‘Allegro’ to her casual cheer in “Isn’t It Romantic” this is full of delights. Our favourite? Her fine reading, with verse, of “I’ll Be Seeing You”. The title is “Songs Of Love & Sylvia Syms sings” and the number: JASCD 606.
Music played
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Mitzi Gaynor — Soon
Mitzi Gaynor Sings The Lyrics Of Ira Gershwin
Flare, ROYCD 290 -
Teddi King — But Not For Me
Teddi King Sings Ira Gershwin W. Dave McKenna
Inner City Records, IC 1044 -
Pasadena Roof Orchestra
— ‘S WonderfulPasadena Roof Orchestra: Roots Of Swing
Pasadena Records, CDPRO 8 -
Sylvia Syms — I’m So Happy I Could Cry
2 Albums/I CD: Songs Of Love Sylvia Syms Sings
Jasmine, JASCD 606 -
The Four Freshmen — Nancy With The Laughing Face
Four Freshmen...And 5 Saxes...And 5 Guitars
Capitol/EMI, 7243 4 95002 2 8 -
Frank Sinatra
— Cradle Song Brahms’ LullabyFrank Sinatra: Complete Columbia Years 1943-1952
Columbia Legacy, CXK 48673 12 CD Box -
Flanagan and Allen — Underneath The Arches
Artist: Nat King Cole Flanagan & Allen 25 Hits: We’ll Meet Again Legends Of The 20th Century – Nat King Cole
ASV Living Era, CD AJA 5194 -
Ian Wallace — The Hippopotamus Song
The Best Of Ian Wallace – Nothing Quite Like It
EMI, 7243 8 28370 2 2 -
Ian Wallace — Down Below
The Best Of Ian Wallace – Nothing Quite Like It
EMI, 7243 8 28370 2 2 -
Al Martino — Speak Softly, Love
Single
Capitol, Cl 15725 -
Sylvia Syms — He Loves And She Loves
Sylvia Syms: Songs Of Love & Sylvia Syms Sings
Jasmine, JASCD 606 -
Dorothy Carless — Hello My Lover. Goodbye
Her 2 Albums: The Carless Torch: Mixed Emotions
Flare, ROYCD 287
Broadcast
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Sun 1 Nov 200921:00
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