Shows
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardF.S End of 2022 special From Fats Waller to a 112 year old recording of Auld Lang SyneGoodbye 2022. A shorter than normal episode to mark the end of the year. Its party time, Its Scottish dance and song with a wee bit of help from across the pond. We start with Sir Harry Lauder and I love a Lassie. He was the first million record selling British artist. Fats Waller with You asked for it, you got it, Duke Ellington- It dont mean a thing( If it ain't got that swing.) Primo Scala- Grinzing. These are the fellas you want at a party to entertain. The Scottish Dance Orchestra- Highland Fling, Bobby MacCleod and his band...
2022-12-3125 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFS92: Early Peggy Lee to Taft Jordon, The Joe Corrie players and Dave willisA couple of cheery and cheeky wartime songs. George Formby with Ukelele Man. Not nearly enough ukelele playing on it quite frankly. Next Dave Willis with ARP( Air raid patrol.) More commonly known as My Wee Gas Mask. Probably the best known Scottish song from WW2. Joe Corrie was a Fife coal miner, poet and playright. His style was naturalistic and his subject matter the working class. He was pretty much ignored by the Scottish theatre establishment of the time. Here we have The shilling a week man. A humerous tale of money owed, performed in broad Scots. Humerous...
2022-09-1153 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFS87: A breeze through Harry Parry and his bandAll part of my campaign to make the Welsh born band leader of the 1940s and 50s more well known. Twelve tracks fresh in and out the crate. Well wooden box. Big thanks to Rod Boyd for the donation. First up- Oceans and Notions. Harry Parry Trio. Joe Deniz- guitar, Tom Bromley- bass, Roy Marsh- Vibraphone. Composed by Marsh. Harry Parry Sextet- Sweet Georgia Brown, My Blue Heaven, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Blue Lou, Java Joint, Doggin' around, Rose room. Travelling Blues- vocals Johnny Green. Boogie rides to Yorke- Piano by Jamaican born Yorke Desouza. He moved to...
2022-08-0732 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJeri Southern to Connie Haines and Juthika RoyA rousing start from Winifred Atwell with Cross hands boogie. Nellie Lutcher- Hurry on down. A wee bit naughty. She's a rather neglected R&B jazz singer and composer. Ruby Wright, the daughter of country singer Kitty Wells, with Boy you got yourself a girl. Jeri Southern- Call me tonight. A torch singer whose career sadly faded in the late 50s. Giselle McKenzie- Seven lonely days. Canadian born, popular in US T.V and musical theatre. Bill Perry's Entertainers from 1927 on a rare Puritan label. The Wisconsin record label only existed between 1917 and 1929. Jane Froman had a long and...
2022-07-3055 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardVictor Theremin to Kay Starr, the Street Singer& Bill HaleyThe fantastic voice of Kay Starr starts us off with: Rock and Roll Waltz(1954), Changing Partners(1954) and Wabash Cannon Ball(1948). The Three Kays with The Cuckoo. A popular English group in the 1950s. Cuckoo is probably a description of a lot of the rest of the content of the show. Albert Burdon with Albert before the means test(1931). I do quite like it. There are genuine gags and its quite subversive. The Street Singer with Trouble in paradise. Arthur Tracey was born Abba Avrom Tracovutsky in Ukraine in 1899. He originally used the name The Street Singer to avoid being...
2022-07-2249 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFS84: Cowboy Jack to Yiddisha Cowboy via Roberto InglezWe start with two firm favourites. Frankie Froba- Love song in 32 bars and Teresa Brewer- Wang, Wang Blues. Then we go west- sort of! Bradley Kincaid with The Miners Song. Two cowboy songs. A traditional sentimental tale from Peg Morland with Cowboy Jack. Morland lost half a leg in an accident while working as a railway brakeman. A completely different cowboy from Leo Fuchs, a Yiddisha one. I love the flitting between English and Yiddish. I'm sure there are many 'in jokes' going on. The Sweet Boys give us two delightful pieces of nonsense. First- I give in so...
2022-07-0856 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardMoondog to Bessie Smith and Eck RobertsonAn old favourite to start us off- Frankie and Johnny. The best version, from Jimmie Rodgers. Then another variation of the Unfortunate Rake, an 18th century Anglo- Irish folk song. Here we have Bright Summer Morning from The Virgin Islands. Recorded in 1953, Viola Penn sings and plays guitar. He's back, Milton Brown and his Brownies- Fan it! and Goofus. Moondog with two tracks. An extraordinary artist and performer and composer. Genre defying. He performed on the streets of New York from the 1940s to the 1970s. Leonard Bernstein, Benny Goodman knew him. Charlie Parker was a fan and he...
2022-07-0156 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHarry Parry and his Radio Rythmn Club SextetHarry Parry was born in north Wales in 1912. He trained to be a musical instrument maker but the performance side took over and he moved to London to play in big bands, including Percival Mackey's. He established his own six piece band and was asked by the BBC to lead the band for their Radio Rythmn Club show. He was popular throughout the 1940s and into the 50s. He died at the age of 44 in 1956. His music was fun, with a real swing and he brought interesting vocalists and musicians to perform and record with the Sextet. Jazz legend G...
2022-06-2450 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFS 81 Milton Brown to Lottie KimsbroughMilton Brown and his Brownies- Down by the Ohio(1935) What an extraordinary voice Brown had. A pioneer of Western swing his career was tragically cut short when he died of injuries sustained in a car crash in 1936. Bob Skyles and the skyrockets- Swing it Mr drummer man(1938). Clifford kendrick on drums. Hoosiers Hot shots- Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia. Seemlessly moving into two tracks from the fabulously named Hell broke out in Georgia LP. First, more great names, Gid Tanner and his Skillet lickers- Don't you cry my honey(1930.) The Swamp rooters- Swamp cat rag(1936) They were led by fiddler L...
2022-06-171h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardF.S 80. Cowboys and gals and folky bluesUp until now the Forgotten Songs ethos has been to show case forgotten songs and artists from all genres. It's been a real journey of discovery. I've been surprised by how much good music has been neglected. From this episode though I'm focusing on the choice of music. We will concentrate on Americana and American roots. Early folk, country, blues, jazz, boogie woogie, blue grass and, of course, western swing. This is our introduction. Jelly Roll Morton- Oh didn't he ramble. 1939. Sidney Bechet clarinet. Next a four song sequence that shows the development of one song- The...
2022-06-1056 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHarry Wulson to Josephine Bradley via strict tempo ballroomWe're back after a six month break. Less chat, more music this time round. We start with a very laid back Louis Armstrong and his version of Blueberry Hill. Billie Anthony was born Philomena McGeachie Levy in Glasgow in 1932. Here she sings her biggest hit, This Ole House. There were a few covers of this record in the British charts. Rosemary Clooney made no1 but Billie Anthony made no4. She had a great voice and it's surprising that her career had just petered out by 1960. Tony Martin stirs up passions with Kiss of Fire. He had a seven decade ca...
2022-03-1859 min
The Brownbread TapesBrownbread and the desert interludeA three parter. Brownbread bakes in the Nevada desert. Then it all turns a little weird.
2021-12-1209 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread's day outIts good to get out of the city, even when its work! A sunny day beside the river, flask, special stick.
2021-12-1203 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread- swings and roundaboutsAll the fun of the fair. Well for some. Not for those in pointy light, tan shoes though.
2021-12-1202 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread lives next door to LesTrouble upstairs for Brownbread. It's enough to drive a usually patient man to distraction... whistling and walking Les!
2021-12-1202 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread is in a hurryHe's on a job, he's in a hurry. This fella is in the way and he's holding a cat!
2021-12-1203 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread dines outNorth of the border and a delicious spaghetti bol but will Brownbread complete this job. Something is not quite right about it.
2021-12-1203 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread sings in the bathtubBrownbread only bathes once a week! Not surprised ,dangerous places bathrooms.
2021-12-1202 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread does HRHuman Resources...Human Resources!! Brownbread conducts a job interview, in his own inimitable style!
2021-12-1203 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread does pest controlBrownbread ruminants on strange names and the cycle of life..and death.
2021-12-1202 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread does natureBrownbread is on location in the countryside and he's busy with a little disposal.
2021-12-1203 min2021-12-1203 minThe Brownbread TapesBrownbread on sartorial eleganceBrownbread's advice on dressing well. For goodness sake take heed will you. Its for your own good!
2021-12-1203 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBob Skyles to Alma Cogan and some singing dogs.The last episode of Forgotten Songs. What a pleasure it has been discovering, playing and researching these records, songs and artists. A few old favourites and a couple of new discoveries. Alma Cogan- Lizzie Borden, Eartha Kitt- C'est Si Bon, Mel Torme- Mpoutain Greenery, Tennesse Ernie Ford- Sixteen tons, George D'Albert - Your own Street, Bob Skyles and his Sky Rockets- My darling Texas Cowgirl, Lets play love, I'm gonna die with a broken heart, Carl Weismann and his singing dogs, Lonnie Donegan- When the sun goes down, Hal McIntyre- South Bayou shuffle, Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm C...
2021-09-1752 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardA little bit of 78rpm history, budget labels and music hall stars.Big thank you to Neil Guthrie for the donation of family records featured in this episode. They belonged to Martha and Geordie Hardie of Cowdenbeath. Lonnie Donegan- Betty, Betty, Betty, Tom Foy- Lizzie, Mimosa 5in record- My Kid, Jutkika Roy- Hindustani song, David McCallum- Scottish melodies, Callendar Cable Works Band- Swallows Serenade, Miss Lydia Russell You're driving me crazy, Bobby Comber- Peg leg Jack, Buddy Prince- Little pal, Florrie Ford- Ta ta be lucky and lets pretend we're having fun. Bing Crosby(yes Bing Crosby!)- Beautiful dreamer.
2021-09-1051 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFats Waller to Anita O'Day, Hutch and Phyllis RobinsBest tracks and stonking tunes from Tex Beneke, Frankie Froba, Teresa Brewer, Fats Waller, Anita O'Day, Lulu Zeigler, Lorrae Desmond, Lonnie Donegan, Les Paul, Mary Ford, Leslie Hutchinson, Sugar Chile Robinson, Jimmie Rodgers, Harry Torrani, Phyllis Robins, McCravy Brothers, Geoffrey Goodheart, Tiny Bradshaw, Bob Crosby, Marion Mann and Frankie Laine.
2021-09-031h 04
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBilly Cotton to The Star gazers and Felix MendelssohnThanks to John Hearn for donation of these records. Judy Garland and Fred Astaire- A couple of swells, Perry Como- Magic Moments and Catch a fallen star, Marino Marini- Volare, Edmundo Ross- Rumba Royale, Roberto Inglez- Autumn leaves, Mantovani- La Cumparista, Benny Goodman- These foolish things remind me of you, Felix Mendelssohn- Scotlandia, Herijati- Kenaghan Masa- (Indonesian song), Carman Cavallaro- Lovely look at, The star gazers- An old beer bottle, Billy Cotton-Two on a tandem, The French can- can, Hang on the bell Nellie.
2021-08-2753 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardEarly music, Scottish accordion and the Crooning TroubadourErnie Ford- Shot gun boogie, Teddy Johnston- Mandolin Serenade, William Schwartz- song in Yiddish, Nick Lucas- My bundle of love and Moonbeams, Ester Walker- You gotta know how to love and Hard to get Gertie, Carl, Natalie and Arnold Golmetch- Greensleeves to a ground, Jimmy Young- No arms can ever hold you, Perry Como- Idle gossip, Weston Brothers- Scottish Memories, Robert Wilson- Down in the glen and Victor Sylvester- Autumn Leaves.
2021-08-2052 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardTeresa Brewer, Mary Ford to Wingie Malone & Fats WallerThe Wang, Wang Blues- Teresa Brewer, Take me in your arms- Les Paul and Mary Ford, The Duke's idea and Skyliner- Charlie Barnet-, Keep your seats please- George Formby, I never knew heaven could speak- Bob Crosby, vocals Marion Mann, Effie Atherton-Dennis the Menace, Jimmie Rodgers- Away out on the mountain, Harry Torrani- The watermill yodel, Claude Hopkins- Ain't misbehaving, Fats Waller- Vipers rag, Albert Ammons- Boogie woogie stomp, Hobo Jack Taylor- The bum's rush, Wingie Malone-South with the boarder, Johnny Rae- What's the use, Frankie Laine- High Noon.
2021-08-1357 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardA child star, whispering Jack Smith and an early crooner.Up this time round: The Six Swingers- Hot Pie, The Stargazers- I see the moon, Savoy Havana Band- A kiss in the dark, Jay Whidden- I'll see you again, Paul Specht- I'm knee deep in daisies, Jelly Roll Morton- Oh didn't he ramble, Mugsy Spanier- Hesitating blues, G.H Elliott- I want to go to Idaho, Ethel Smith- Charmaine, (Whispering) Jack Smith- Ain't she cute, Kay Starr- Three letters, Tony Martin- Flamenco Love, Gene Autry and Jo Stafford- My heart cries for you, Anne Stephens- Buckingham Palace, Rudy Vallee- You're driving me crazy, Charlie Barnet- I like to riff.
2021-08-061h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBoogie Woogie, a boy singer and celebrating smoking & drinking.Records from 1913 to 1956. Hungarian, Trinidadian and Canadian musicians. We have Winifred Atwell- Cross hands boogie, Mario Lanza- Drinking song, Billy Williams- Little Willie's Woodbines, Mr Herbert Payne- The sunshine of your smile, Nat Gonella- Capri caprice. Frankie Vaughn, Perry Como, Geraldo and Billy Cotton. Joe Petersen- Home on the range, Guy Lomardo- All my love, Blue Hungarian band- The skaters Waltz, Edith Lorand- The woman's heart, Don Roberton- The happy whistler and with Lou Dinning You're free to go. And you are but do come back!
2021-07-3056 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardVoices from a 100 years ago. Blaydon races to a little bit of Blighty.Falsetto voices, Australian and Geordie music hall and more budget record gems. Mr Hatherley Clarke (counter tenor)- Till we meet again, Florian Forde- Love me in the Lancashire way, Robert Woodville- There we are then, Herbert Payne- Blighty, Charlie Collins- Paddy Malone's Aeroplane, Fred Douglas- On the first dark night of the year, J.C Scatter- Blaydon Races, Randolph Sutton- if you're really truly in love and I met Sally by the seaside, Alfredo and his band-Cheer up and smile, Radio Melody Boys- There's happiness ahead, Sam Brown- Dancing with tears in my eyes, Jack Payne- The kid...
2021-05-281h 03
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJazz from 1919 and quite a lot of Western SwingSoftly as in a morning sunrise- Harry Parry, What is this thing called love- Tommy Dorsey, vocals by Connie Haines, Fine brown frame Nellie Lutcher, Let's play love - Bob Skyles, Beautiful dreamer Archie Lewis, Whisper again that you love me-Al Dexter, Ain't misbehaving - Hutch, Look at 'em doing it- The Original Dixieland Jazz Band(1919), You better watch yourself bub- Nellie Lutcher, The man I love - Sophie Tucker, It don't count - Harry Parry, Tip toe through the tulips with me- Solemn and Gay, Moonlight Waltz, I'm gonna die with a broken heart and my darling Texas...
2021-05-2150 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardSophie Tucker to Nellie Lutcher, George Formby and HutchGeorge Formby- When I'm cleaning windows, Oi- Flanagan and Allen, actually that turns into Underneath the arches. Their most famous song. Roy Fox, vocals Buddy Clark The treasure of Sierra Madre. This is the theme song from the Humprey Bogart film. Bob Crosby and Marion Mann with Never knew Heaven could speak and Speak to me of love. Jimmie Rodgers- Everyone's doing it in Hawaii and Frankie and Johnny. The magnicent Sophie Tucker with Life begins at forty and Nellie Lutcher with Hurry on down. Both delightfully naughty. Jack Hylton, Hoagy Carmichael, George Wettling, Hutch and Italian Samba from...
2021-05-1457 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBack to back jazz, R&B, Blues, comedy, Danish and Italian folkNo messing about this time round. Another back to back music episode. Blues in my condition- Cootie Williams, Numbers Boogie- Sugar Chile Robinson, My Alf- Susette Tarri, Wang, Wang Blues- Teresa Brewer, To Menneker- Lulu Ziegler, Forever and ever- Dinah Shore, Bradshaw's boogie- Tiny Bradshaw, Your feets too big, Dragging my heart around, Shortnin bread- Fats Waller, Down and out blues- Flanagan and Allen, Gin mill blues- Joe Sullivan, Swinging with the accordion man- Bob Skyles and Skyrockets, Prima second e tersza- Roberto Murolo, Earth Kitt- Monotonous, When the sun goes down- Lonnie Donegan and Hal McIntyre- South Bayou s...
2021-05-0757 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBack to back Jazz, Blues and Boogie Woogie all on 78rpmVery little chat this time round. Back to back great music. Tex Benneke- St Louis Blues March, Lionel Hampton- The Munson Street breakdown, Lucky Thompson- Just one more chance, Albert Ammons- Boogie Woogie Stomp, Anita O'Day- The lady is a tramp, Harry Parry- Mr five by five, Carl Barriteau- Primrose Hill, Hal McIntyre- Why don't you fall in love with me, Harlan Lattimore- Chant of the weeds, Bob Crosby- Tin roof blues, Lorrae Desmond- On the waterfront, Harry Parry- Lonesome Road, Les Paul and Mary Ford- In a lonesome old town, Mugsy Spanier- Lonesome road , Joe Sullivan and Joe T...
2021-04-241h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardNellie Lutcher, Delia Murphy, Carl Barriteau and Frankie LaineCupid on the cake, from Jock McDermott and his New Calton Players starts us off. Cake in the title, perfect. Its on a lovely Piccadilly Record label, the label only ran from 1927 to 1931. Our oldest record for a long time is, By the light of the silvery moon. A 1910 rendition of this classic song by Mr Jack Charman. He sang under at least 25 aliases and was the first artist to record Hinky, Pinky, Parlez vous in 1915. Its a John Bull record label. They sold their records via the 'Tally man' systems- they came to your door and tried to p...
2021-04-171h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardClara Butt, Stanley Kirkby to Tennessee Ernie & MantovaniA complete mix of tunes and some chat about 78rpm records. Dame Clara Butt from 1918. The top English contralto of her era. Three jolly tunes from eight inch budget record labels. Don Porto's Novelty band(Harry Bidgood), Alfredo and his band and Billy Whitlock. Sandy Powell is on a Broadcast budget record too. A very successful northern English comedian from the 1920s to 1960s and a very astute business man. He sold over seven and half million records and refused to take a flat fee for recording, instead he earned a penny a side. That certainly all added up! A...
2021-04-1051 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardTin whistle, Blues, Boogie Woogie and joyous 20s dance musicA particularly upbeat selection of music this time round. Two from Bob Crosby and two Shakespeare sonnets, fabulous vocals from Marion Mann. Two from Bob Skyles and the Skyrockets- Lets play love and My darling Texas cow girl. Elias and his zig zag jive flutes with Tom Hark, the original and a massive world wide hit. Its in the Kwela style, South African penny whistle with a skiffle type beat. Two from Red Nichols. Nat Gonella and Lionel Hampton. Fab 1920s music from The High Hatter, vocals by Frank Luther and Maestro Paul Laval and his Woodmindy Ten. Pioneering...
2021-04-031h 03
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardWomen artists. From band vocalists to Scottish and jazz guitarTwo from the 1950s to start us off. Australian Lorrae Desmond and from the U.S Gogi Grant. She was named after the RCA A&R man's favourite restaurant. Lesser known British band singers Majorie Kingsley, Jean Farrar, Mae Cooper and my favourite Doreen Villiers. Jazz vocal and guitar from Mary Osborn, with her trio. Two tradition Scottish songs with female vocals, Esther Yunson with On the bonny banks of Loch Lomond and NIna Rae with Hame of mine. Madeline Green, was the first black female vocalist to be signed by Benny Goodman, she sings here with Earl Hines...
2021-03-2750 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardCowboy songs from the USA and Britain- yodelling and whistling!Three from Harry Torrani: Sitting in a jailhouse, The Prairie Yodel and Mockingbird Yodel. All self penned. His voice is incredible of the last track and he accompanies himself on the English concertina. Both sides of a Hoosier Hot Shots: Sentimental gentleman from Georgia and Meet me by the icehouse Lizzie. Unusually its on the English Rex label. They are billed as America's Hill Billy Aces. Another English exponent of cowboy music was Johnny Denis. Popular in the 1940s and 50s, he gives us My, my ain't that something. He even whistles. Hardly forgotten but Hank Williams gives us...
2021-03-2038 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardErnest Tubb to Edythe Baker and Ruby Wright.Three Harrys in this episode. Two from Harry Roy and two from Harry Parry. Our old yodelling friend Harry Torrani sings- Yodelling all day and A yodellers dream girl. I love Torrani's voice and lone guitar accompaniment. Self indulgence it maybe but we have two Tubbs in this episode. Ernest Tubb, the Texan Troubadour and country music pioneer, with the very C&W title- Lets say goodbye like we said hello. Our other Tubb is Carrie. Popular English soprano from the first quarter of the 20th century. Its on a rather warped HMV 12in record. So not able to...
2021-02-241h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHoosiers Hot Shots to Molly Picon and Mindy Carson.An energetic start from Hoosiers Hot Shot and Ella Lou Robertson. Master Joe Peterson, Rex records own boy singer, or as described on the label: The phenomenal boy singer. Not entirely true as 'he' was Mary O' Rourke. Dressed as a boy for the majority of her career, she was still performing as a boy soprano in her 50's. Also Vic Lewis, Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight, Harry Parry, Jimmy Bylthe's Ragamuffins and Flannagan and Allen. I have another Durium card record in the collection. Auf Wiedersehen my dear and Rain on the roof from 1934. Its Lew...
2021-02-171h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardA three record special for Valentines dayThree romantic favourites at Forgotten Songs. Frankie Froba was an American jazz pianist, active from the 1920s until the 50s. Here he plays with the Jimmy Atkins Trio. Always makes me chuckle- Love song in 32 bars. We get properly soppy with our other two tracks. Nat King Cole with My Flaming Heart and Eartha Kitt singing Lazy afternoon. Both superb vocalists obviously, but I think these rank among their finest performances. Cole sang My Flaming Heart in the film Small Town Girl. The song was nominated for an 0scar in 1953 but lost out to Doris Day and Secret Love. T...
2021-02-1408 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardAndy Iona to Ethel Smith, Freddy Mills & Wingy ManoneA couple from Forgotten Songs favourite Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet- Black eyes and Blues for eight. Three from another regular, Harry Roy- They're building another alley for Sally, There's joy in your heart coming home and Sentimental interlude. Wingy Manone is back. Love this one armed, hot trumpeter and we even get his great vocals in Manone Blues. Also up Kay Starr, Joan Regan and Felix Mendelssohn- he's accompanied by Roland Peachy on steel guitar. Humour, dated, from Clown Argo and Co and a comedy skit called a Gale in the night. Can find out...
2021-02-101h 01
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHindustani, Hawaiian, Italian and a wee bit of Scottish.Blues upstairs and downstairs, from Nat Gonella, starts us off. Two Scottish numbers from Greenock male voice choir, with Loch Lomond and William Hannah with Caledonian circle. Hannah was a leading pre war accordionist and lived about 20 miles away from the Forgotten Songs studio in West Lothian. Also up The Avenue Tango Band with the rather tame, The golden tango girl, Anton Walbrook, Benjamino Gigli, Carrol Gibbons and Benny Goodman, vocals by Helen Forrest. Three budget records: The Bluejays- Louise, Roland Blair- I cover the waterfront and, on a six inch The Victory label, The waters of kilarney. Frank F...
2021-02-031h 04
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardPennies from Heaven- a musical tribute to the 1978 TV series.Dennis Potter's seminal TV 1978 drama was choc full of great music and songs from the 1930s, largely from British dance bands and orchestras. Bob Hoskins, Cheryl Campbell and Gemma Craven starred and did a great job of lip syncing to the likes of Al Bowlly, Roy Fox , Lew Stone, Bert Ambrose, Arthur Tracey, Maurice Winnick, Jack Paine, Jack Hylton, Billy Cotton and Henry Hall. They all feature in this episode, as does George Hall, with Roll along Prairie Moon and Flannigan and Allen with Shine on harvest moon. Other songs are Goodnight Vienna, We'll all go riding on a r...
2021-01-271h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardThe fabulous 1950s: Eve Boswell to Jack Scott and Jill DayEven by the 1950s 78s were beginning see their dominance fade in the record market. Vinyl 33s and 45s was here. This though is a celebration of 50s shellac. To start we have the other side of the cracked Hot Lips Page, Randy Hall record from FS54, I tin whistle you. Earl Grant with Hunky dunky doo. Pianist, organist and singer. Sadly he died young at 39 in 1970. Lys Assia, Swiss winner of Euro vision in 1956, sings O Mein Papa. Also Eddy Arnold, Alma Cogan, Charlie Gracie, Fat Domino, Lonnie Donegan and Winifred Atwell. Delighted to have Rose Murphy back, t...
2021-01-2059 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHot Lips Page to Charlie Barnet and Maggie Teyte.Okay he's a favourite, so its four from Harry Parry, Angry, Lonesome Road, I never knew(vocals: Primrose Hayes, can't find anything out about this woman) and Pontiac jump. We start though with Hot Lips Page and Randy Halls and the Tin fluters. Not on his hot trumpet but brilliant vocals. Much sadness, this record is cracked! Fantastic combination of Joe Sullivan(pictured) and Big Joe Turner next and the brilliantly titled: Low down, dirty shame blues. I have a real soft spot for the unjustly neglected Joe Sullivan. He returns with the flip side, I can't give you a...
2021-01-131h 05
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBudget labels, Methodist revival and Hawaiian serenades.Lets bring the joy to a cold Edinburgh day. Eartha Kitt, Bob Skyles, Harry Roy and the McCravy brothers start us off. James and Frank McCravy are in a particularly joyous mood with Ring them heavenly bells. Brilliant close harmonies, fiddle and banjo. Two from Carroll Gibbons and his Savoy Orpheans. Vocals are provided by Anne Lenner and Lesley Douglas and Edna Kaye. One from Geraldo- All of me, The Rhythm Kings- The girl in the little green hat, The Rhythm Maniacs- Baby, oh, Where can you be. Arthur Godfrey was a massive star in the US on TV an...
2021-01-0659 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHogmanay 2020 special. Coorie in and pour yourself a dram.What a strange year its been. Lets forget about it and party. Here to help us is: Jimmy Shand- Blue Bell Polka, Ian Macpherson- My Ain Folk, Kenneth McKellar- Ae Fond Kiss, The Logan Family- A new year's sing song, Tom Wright- McGinty's Meal and Ale(Part 2), and from 1910, P.A Hope with Auld Lang Syne. Here's tae us.. You'll be hearing from me again in 2021. A happy and healthy one to you all.
2020-12-3122 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardWarm voices and music to coorie in with over Christmas.Sort of a Christmas special but not really. Just warm, comforting and fun music. We hear from Fats Domino La, La, Tommy Dorsey- I'm getting sentimental over you, Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet- Dim Blues, Nat King Cole- My Flaming Heart, Eartha Kitt- African Lullaby, Perry Como- Magic Moments, Flanagan and Allen- Sending out an SOS for you and Hometown, John Kirkby- Only a paper moon, Harry Parry with vocals by Doreen Villiers- Don't be that way and Bounce me brother me a solid four, Mel Torme- Mountain Greenery and Hal McIntyre and South Bayou Shuffle. St...
2020-12-2546 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardLaine, Starr, Ray and Robeson: Voices that really sang out.Three artists whose voices were precursors to Rock and Roll. Four from old Leather lungs or steel tonsils himself, Frankie Laine. Jealousy, That's my desire, Tarriers song and Blowing wild. Laine had a career spanning an astonishing 75 years. He successfully sang in so many genres of music and was a man with a keen sense of social justice. His good friend Kay Starr provides two tracks: Wheel of Fortune and I'll always be in love with you. Born on a reservation in Oklahoma in 1922 her heritage was very much native American. She was singing on the radio at the age...
2020-12-1858 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardWestern Swing, Sweet, Soothing Swing and various vocalists.Four tracks from Bob Skyles and his Skyrockets- Swinging with the accordion man, I want to live in Loveland and Swing it Mr drummer man. Classic Kendrick Brothers catchy fun from 1938. Donald Peers is a new artist to me. He had a long career and had his own TV show in the 1960s. He sings the lovely- After the sun's kissed the world goodbye. We love daft records here and Al and Pete Livingstone provide that very thing in Eleven more months and 10 more days. Its on the the budget label, Mayfair. Also Frankie Laine, Benny Goodman with vocals b...
2020-12-111h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJulie London- S'Wonderful and Cry Me a RiverJust one record in this wee FS special. Julie London sings S'Wonderful and Cry me a River, both recorded in 1955. Cry me a River was originally written for Ella Fitzgerald to sing in the film Pete Kelly's Blues. The film was directed by London's husband of the time Jack Webb(Dragnet). London obviously saw the potential, took the song and made it her signature tune. I've always loved the lyrics and it all hinges around the word 'plebeian.' Who but the most audacious of song writers puts that word into a pop song. What do you rhyme plebeian wi...
2020-11-2708 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardForgotten Songs favourites revisited- Tracks from 1911 to 1948I have a shelf of records in the studio, favourites that I keep returning to and this is a quick selection from those tracks. No notes, less blether. In no particular order we have: The Rhythm Maniacs- Singin' in the bathtub, Phyllis Robins- In my little bottom drawer and I'll string along with you, Effie Atherton-My young man's ever so nice, Albert Ammons- Boogie Woogie Stomp, Lucky Thompson- Boppin' the blues- Geoffrey Goodheart- I like pie, I like cake, Jimmie Rodgers- Away out on the mountain, Tom Wright- McGinty's Meal and Ale, Tom Foy- Lizzie, Harry Torrani- My Lancashire y...
2020-11-1858 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardA little bit of folk, Hawaiian guitar and the brothers Pearson .Two folky tunes from Burl Ives start us off. A jolly orchestrated(Percy Faith) version of Oh! Dear! She's wonderful beautiful and the more pared down Bonnie Wee Lassie. Ives spent the 1930s travelling the USA as an Itinerant musician and developed his singing career via the radio. He was also a well known actor, his most famous acting role was probably as Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Old favourites Carroll Gibbons, Len Fillis Roberto Murolo, Archie Lewis, Ted Heath, Bob and Alf Pearson and Harry Roy return. Edna Kaye does vocals for Gibbons. A...
2020-11-111h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardGospel, jazz, rock and roll, blues, Italian Tenors and classical.A right mix of records this time round. 1910 to 1956. Sixteen tons- Tennessee Ernie Ford, A little bit Independent-Dave King, Thirteen Women- Bill Haley, Irish Mambo- Alma Cogan, I can't tell a Waltz from a Tango- Ray Burns, In the Garden- George Beverley Shea, Jonah and the Whale- Louis Armstrong, Cuban Love Song- London Piano Accordion Band, Zingarella Innamorata- Livi Emilio, Home- Roy Smeck and his Vita Trio, My Girl from Slumber Town- Arizona Jack, The Cord- Alexander Prince, Blues in my Condition- Cootie Williams, Concerto for Clarinet- Artie Shaw and Cant Sans Paroles- JH Squire Celeste Octet.
2020-11-0459 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardLove songs: Connie Boswell to Hutch and HildegardeIts lurve all the way in episode 46. Frankie Laine start us off with a tale of passion amongst the oil fields, Blowing wild. Its a song full of sweep and crescendo, that certainly suits old 'leather lungs.' His good pal Kay Starr follows him. Both are acknowledged as having vocal styles that influenced later rock and roll singer. Connie or Connee Boswell with- This time its love, from 1933. An influence on Ella Fitzgerald, she was reckoned to be one of the finest Jazz vocalists of her time. A first time play on Forgotten songs, Peggy Lee, with her b...
2020-10-281h 02Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardChild stars, pioneering guitar and the finest Australian vocalist.Sugar Chile Robinson with Numbers Boogie and Bouncing Ball Boogie. We're a big fan of Robinson here, that most grounded of child stars. Separating his two tracks is Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet, vocals by Doreen Villiers. Why has Harry been forgotten? Beats me. Also up: Twelfth street rag- Count Basie, The Moose- Charlie Barnet, The Drummer's band- Gene Krupa, The Caravan- Duke Ellington, I'm crazy about my baby- Fats Waller, Wouldn't it be nice- Josephine Bradley and Bless you- Archie Lewis. Lovely 1920s track from Jefferies and his Rialto Orchestra. They played the famed Marine G...
2020-10-211h 04Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardRecords found in an attic. Fine vocals and orchestras- 1920s-50sWe start with two versions of the same song. Ted Heath and his music gives us an instrumental version of Mountain Greenery and then Mel Torme sings the definitive version of the song. Not forgotten Mel but is not celebrated enough. He was bizarrely known as The Velvet Frog. Fantastic lyrics from Lorenz Hart- 'How-how-how-how-how we love sequestering..' What's not to love there? Classics from Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrew Sisters and our old friend Leslie Hutchinson, Hutch. We have both sides of a Charlie Barnet record- Pumpton Turnpike and Swinging on Nothing. Charlie was one of th...
2020-10-141h 01Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJosh White to Tino Rossi, via Eve Boswell & Peggy DellThe whole episode is from a charity/ thrift shop haul. Some familiar artists amongst them- Georgia Gibbs, Mugsy Spanier, Eve Boswell, Billy Banks and Teresa Brewer. Otherwise some great discoveries. Shirley Abicair sings the title song from the 1956 film, 'Smiley.' She was Australian, played the zither and came to Britain in 1952. Still with us at the age of 92. Harry James is hardly forgotten but this is a pared back sound from the trumpeter and band leader, Feet dragging blues. Josh White, folk singer and political activist sings I'm gonna move to the outskirts of town. Another of the...
2020-10-0758 minForgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJazz, early country, big band and female vocalists aplenty.Tennessee Ernie with Smokey Mountain Boogie start us off. Thrillingly its a shout out to the daughter and niece of the Kendrick Brothers- Bob Skyles and his Skyrockets- when I play their track, I'm gonna die with a broken heart. Jean Goldkette Orchestra with My pretty girl stomp and Harry Roy with You and I. Vocals on that are by Jean Farrar. Over the top piano from Carmen Cavallaro, Enlloro. Female vocalists next up. Kitty Kallen, who made a very successful transition from big band singer to a solo career. Kay Starr, who successfully sang Pop, Country and Jazz. B...
2020-09-3058 minForgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFemale vocalists, orchestras and Bengali artists.Bob Skyles and his Skyrockets and Tex Beneke start us off with a flourish. Sadly its the 'last chance saloon' for three of the records in this episode. Condition is a little far gone. Theses copies of Frank and James McCravy (Swinging on the golden gate), Leo Reisman(For my sweetheart) and Lucky Millinder(The spider and the fly) will not be joining us again. Mezzrow-Lardiner Quintet play: I ain't gonna give you none of this jelly roll(1938). Brilliant title. Mezz Mezzrow was an American clarinettist and saxophonist. He was a bit of a character, well known for his...
2020-09-2359 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardDanish folk music to a Gujarati film song.Its a right old mix this time round. We start with the familiar and Bob Crosby and his Bob Cats from 1937.Then four from the 1920s. Hal Kemp, the purveyor of 'soothing, sweet dance music,' 1928. He sadly died at the age of 36. The Sunshine Boys from 1929. They were brothers Joe and Dan Mooney and they only recorded between 1929 and 1931. The Savoy(Hotel) Havana Band, led by Bert Ralton from 1923 and from1929 Ray Starita and his Ambassador Orchestra. Vocals by Betty Bolton. Bolton was an all round entertainer, actor, singer and a childhood star in World War One. She...
2020-09-0945 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardGeorge Formby to Bob Skyles and Eartha KittSome old favourites and an episode not without a few double entendres. That cheeky fellow George Formby starts us off in his little Wigan garden. I don't think its all about plants and insects though. Fats Waller extolls the virtues of rump steak. Tennessee Ernie Ford sings 'kiss me big!' We get all cynical with Marlene Dietrich and Rosemary and 'Too old to cut the mustard' and two magnificent tracks from Eartha Kitt. Lonnie Donegan gives a fine vocal performance in 'Love is strange.' The Kendrick brothers and pals, aka Bob Skyles and his Skyrockets sing 'Lets p...
2020-09-0237 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardRecords from the Booth family collection- 1926 to 1957.All records, apart from one, are from the Booth family collection. That one is Alma Cogan and the jolly but macabre Lizzie Borden. Leslie Holmes sings the cautionary tale of Annie doesn't live here anymore. What a great title- I like pie, I like cake. A lovely Vocalion label from the Geoffrey Goodhart Orchestra (1926.) Goodhart only recorded for one year, so its a bit of a rarity. Next Roger Wolfe Kahn. The son of a wealthy banker family, he was a successful booking agent, musician, arranger, composer, band leader and aviator! The Midnight Minstrels perform Aren't we all. Two...
2020-08-261h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardTrain songs: Red Nelson via Fletcher Henderson and Nancy WhiskyIts an imaginary train journey on my part. West to east across the USA, from San Francisco to Hagerstown in Washington County and this is some music to accompany the journey. Two Choo, choo songs to start: The Merry Macs with Choo Choo Polka and a crazy track from Winifred Atwell, Choo Choo Samba. A double sided train record from Michael Holliday, 10 Thousand Miles and The Run Away Train. Remember the latter from Junior Choice, a BBC radio children's show in the 1960s. Hutch sings Over the hill. Okay its not about trains but you'll understand the reason and it...
2020-08-1954 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardForgotten songs podcasts and what they are all about.A short one this time round. Some snippets of some old favourites: Roberto Inglez, Leslie(Hutch) Hutchinson, Bob Crosby, Lorrae Desmond, Bob Skyles, Jimmie Rodgers, Billy Williams, Harry Torrani and Teresa Brewer. Its mainly a wee chat about what the programme is all about and why I select the records I play. If you'd like to get in touch I can be emailed at milestubb@gmail.com
2020-08-1214 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBob Crosby, Patti page, Rose Anne Stevens and two BillysBob is back, three from him. Lovely 30s music and vocals 'On a steamer coming over,' 1933, from Billy Cotton. Eleven times married Charlie Barnet with another mode of transport 'Sky liner.' Think we need a new copy of that record! Also up The Dixie Marimba Players, The Casa Loma Orchestra, The Deep River Boys, Eddie Condon and Joe 'Fingers' Carr, who was in fact Lou Busch. The intriguing singer Billy Banks. Primarily known as a female impersonator on record- sounding male here with the jazz standard 'Margie.' Our oldest record is by GH Ghirgwin, 'Asleep in th...
2020-08-0556 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardSeven records from 98 to 112 years old! Plus a special guest!In the studio my guest is a Decca XL Portable wind up record player. So many of these lovely machines were taken to the front in world War One that they were known as the 'Trench gramophone.' 'Mic'd' up it plays us three records. It needs a bit of TLC. You will hear me mention its running a little fast. I've made adjustments in editing, hopefully sounds better. Via the Decca we have Enrico Caruso singing Lolita, from 1908. He was one of the first big recording stars of the 20th century. Mr Evan Williams, born in the US...
2020-07-2933 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardLew Stone, Ambrose, Bertini and Irving Gillette from 1909Some records from the back of the forgotten Songs shelves! The Happy Wanderer and my mash up pronouncing Oberkirkchen starts us off. Hopefully the tune doesn't remain in your head for the rest of the day! Five bands/ big band records in a row. Ambrose, Frankie Carle, two from Lew Stone (vocals by Nat Gonella and an uncredited Al Bowlly,) from the Tower Blackpool Bertini and his band and Percival Mackay. What a back story he has. George Cates plays 'Nightfall and Mayer Gordon some San Saene. Three singers who were on various BBC Scottish radio stations in the 1920s...
2020-07-221h 05
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFemale artists. From strict tempo dance to European cabaret.We like Lorrae Desmond on Forgotten songs so we have a couple from her from the mid 50's. Brilliant voice, unjustly neglected. Paula Green and her Orchestra from the late 40's. Known primarily as a big band singer she recorded a few songs with her own orchestra at this time. Josephine Bradley plays 'What do you think those Ruby red lips were made for' in strict tempo. One of only a few British female band leaders she was a rival to Victor Sylvester. We are upping the tempo next with a crazy track from Winifred Atwill, ' Choo choo...
2020-07-1558 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardWestern swing , early country and yodelling! 1920s and 30s.Before starting Forgotten songs from the broom cupboard I was not particularly a Country and Western fan- certainly not of the Nashville sound. Listen to the genre on 78rpm and the back to basics sound of country from the 1920s and 30s has been a different matter though and has been an education. Here are 10 songs that bring a smile to my face or get my feet tapping. Bob Skyles and his Sky Rockets - I'm gonna die with a broken heart and Lets play love. Al Dexter- Wine women and song. Johnny Denis and his Ranchers- Ragtime time c...
2020-07-0834 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardManna Dey to Elizabeth Pollock via some yodellingWe open with the yodelling cowboy from Chesterfield, Harry Torrani, and My Lancashire yodelling lass. What a tag line, great song too. For the first time of Forgotten Songs we have some Indian music. Manna Dey in Hindi on a 78 pressed in 1963. Next, Dajos Bela goes A round the Volga, Russian music from the late 1920s. Also up are Len Fillis, Len Brennan and the Winter Gardens Dance band, Leroy Anderson, George Guetary, Henri Rene, Earl Grant and the Band waggoners. Lovely track from Smith Ballew from 1930. Smith was an actor, singer and orchestra leader. He was one of...
2020-06-2457 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardThe Blues, Boogie and Jazz- ten 78 rpm records, 1927 to 1951Another more music, less chat episode. Ten 78rpm records from 1927 to 1951. Two from Tiny Rowland- Bradshaw Boogie and Walkin' the chalk line. Cootie Williams - Blues in my condtion, Hot Lips Page - My fightin' gal, Red Nelson - Streamline train, Mead Lux Lewis - Honky tonk train, Bessie Smith - Muddy waters, Fletcher Henderson - PDQ Blues, Jimmy Yancy - East St Louis blues and Mildred Bailey - So help me.
2020-06-2033 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBritish jazz- 10 records in 30mins. More music- less chat.This episode is all about the music. Some British jazz from the 1930s and 40s. Three lesser known bands that deserve more 'air time.' Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet play: 'I've found a new baby', 'It don't count,' 'Parry Opus', 'Softly as in a morning sunrise' and 'Don't be that way.' Nat Gonella and 'Blues upstairs and downstairs.' Joe Daniels and his Hot Shots in Drumnastics play: 'Blues in Boogie,' 'Dancing for a dime,' Cuban Pete,' 'Drumnastics part two.'
2020-06-1932 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardLita Rosa to Jean Sablon, Jimmy Shand and Harry RoyThree dance records to start us off. Two different takes on the accordian - Jimmy Shand with Scottish dance in strict tempo and the far from strict tempo Bob Skyles and his Sky Rockets with 'Swinging with the accordian man.' Then its authentic Canadian Square Dance with the Red River Boys on the Melotone label. Also up: Anne Shelton, Savoy Havana Band, Harry Roy and his Ragamuffins and Sid Philipps and his band and Lita Rosa(pictured). Phylis Robbins, Sheffield's blonde bombshell, we've played her before doing a comedy song but this is a straight rendition of a...
2020-06-171h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardComic song from 1911, English cowboys and Scottish Latin AmericanWe open with the greatest love song ever written! Two oldies, Tom Foy, born 1879 and Stanley Kirkby, born 1878. Both men were from thr north of England and performed in Music Hall. Sadly Foy died in 1917. His, 'If we live to be ninety nine' is the oldest record I have played so far, 1911. I still find it hard to comprehend we can listen to a record that is 109 years old! Kirkby was the most prolific recording artist of his time and around 1918 he is estimated to have been earning over £26000 a week, in modern terms. Also playing, close harmony group Th...
2020-05-251h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardEarly country, early Hammond organ and Danish cabaretYou can't go wrong with starting with Tex Beneke. We calm things down with a couple from Hutch - that rich, smooth voice- from 1938 and 1941. First time I've played Wurlitzer organ music and its from the 1937 BBC Radio's top star, Reginald Foort. The foremost organist of his day. He developed and designed his own mobile organ, well mobile is questionable, it weighed 30 tons! Early Hammond organ from the Milt Herth Trio (1942) and Bob Hamiton Trio (1938). Bob is playing the marvellous ' Dinner music for a pack of hungry cannibals.' Sheer madness. We also have Don Bestor Orchestra, Paula...
2020-05-181h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardMildred Bailey and Esther Cole to Jay Wilber and Ukelele IkeMusic and song from the years between the two World Wars. As always we steer away from the big names. Claude Hopkins starts us off with Washington Shuffle. He was born in Virginia and was a talented stride piano player and arranger. In 1925 he went to Europe as the musical director of The Revue Negre. Josephine Baker was a performer in that Revue. Next Cliff Edwards, Ukelele Ike, the voice of Jiminy Cricket and friend to Buster Keaton. Then we have Hawaiiian music from Frank Ferrara followed by three on the Zonophone label- International Novelty Quarette, Bud Billings and Ca...
2020-05-111h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardCha, Cha, Cha, Boogie Woogie and Western SwingThe first of many bespoke podcast recordings to come. Its the usual eclectic mix of tunes. The mysterious Nino Rico orchestra play Rico Vacilon. Who were these fellas? Jane Forrest is another artist with no online biography. Glasgow born Tommy Watt had a long career as a band leader and arranger and is father to Ben Watt from Everything but the Girl. Joe Daniels and his Hot Shots, Winifred Atwell and The Light Crust Doughboys make another appearance. Short tributes to listeners in Virginia with Spring time in the Blue Ridge Mountains and California with The Californian Ramblers. Sadly...
2020-05-041h 02
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardLorrae Desmond to the Original Dixieland Jazz BandCan't resist starting off 'Mountain Greenery,' its those lyric, that delivery. Tennessee Ernie with the faintly rude sounding 'Kiss me big.' Patti Page, a massive selling artist in the 1950s, on a Trutone South African label record. George Hall and his Orch, vocals by Dolly Dawn. Ella Fitzgerald, no less, credits Dolly as an influence. Dolly eventually took over the orchestra and it become Dolly and her Dawn patrol. Also George Morgan, David Whitfield, Turner Layton, Owen Fallon and his Californians, McKenzie and Condon's Chicagoans. Early music from Carl Dolmetch. Original Dixieland Jazz Band, 1918, and Scotlands first i...
2020-04-2759 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardSkiffle to Rosemary Clooney and Marlene Dietrich.A third of the show is dedicated to Skiffle. Chas McDevitt and Nancy Whisky begin proceedings. Chas does some whistling during the song and Nancy wasn't too happy about it apparently. Both artists were Glasgow born. Followed by The Vipers and then four from the 'master' of skiffle and so much more, Lonnie Donegan. In amongst that Morris and Mitch explain Skiffle in 'What is a Skiffler?' Also Hal McIntyre, Les Brown Orch (featuring Doris Day,) Favorites the McCravey Bros and Fats Waller. Bet they never thought they'd share the bill! Rosemary Clooney teams up with Marlene Dietrich...
2020-04-221h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBig Band female vocalists to a Irish BalladMel Torme starts us off with Mountain Greenery. Love the rhyme busting lyrics. Lonnie Donegan with Ham and Eggs. Early Country from Leake County Revelers, from 1928. They were Mississippi local. From 1930 Joe and Bud Billings, they were in fact Carson Robinson and Frank Luther and their fame was a little more wide spread. Luther toured Britain in 1927. We also have a B side from Eddie Calvert, Rock and Roll from Jack Scott. The Clevelanders, lead by Harry Reser, first cousin to the Wright Brothers. The 1949 Esquire All American award winners play Indiana Winter. Old favourite Hal McIntyre. Kitty Kallen...
2020-04-1559 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardEarly jazz and blues and good old Western SwingYes I start with Eartha again. I've no shame! Couple of Western Swing tracks, Light Crust Dough Boys, billed as a hot string band and Bob Skyles and his Skyrockets from 1937. Dinah Shore, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Harry Parry, Hal McIntyre, Leslie(Hutch) Hutchinson and Fats Waller. Early Jazz from Friar Society Orchestra from around 1922. Mead Lux Lewis and a 1935 recording of 'Honky Tonk Train Blues'. Red Nelson on the Brunswick Sepia Series label and more trains with 'Stream Line Train.' Nelson is looked upon as one of the pioneers of R&B. Two brilliant tracks from...
2020-04-0859 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardTiny Bradshaw, Roy Fox and Eartha Kitt in TurkishIts not all 78s this time round. Two vinyl pieces of magic from Eatha Kitt from the splendid 1956 LP, 'That bad Earth.' Freddy Randall, part of the post war trad jazz revival in Britain. Illinois Jacquet and his honking and screeching sax. Light classics from Bill Snyder, actually its rather good and laid back 'Chicago Blue.' Roy Fox and his band from 1934. Very brief vocals for Al Bowlly. A cheesey three, notable for the Walter Huston's September Song. Raymond Dance, Hal McIntyre and the banjo of Len Fillis from 1928. Record of the episode the rather naughty and...
2020-04-0159 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardPaul Small, Hal Kemp to Dinah Shore and HutchA bonus episode as we begin this strange time in semi lock down in Edinburgh and around the world. Recorded last year. I bill it as an episode with jolly music back then.- perfect for these extarordinary times. Stay safe. We have Tennessee Ernie and Sixteen Ton- yes I need a better copy of this much played 78. Paul Small Orch on a Diva label, produced for WT Grant store in the US from 1925 to 32. Layton and Johnson, Leslie (Hutch) Hutchinson, Dinah Shore, Hal Kemp- sadly died young in a car crash. Claude Hopkins, Lucky Millinder. Frank Ferrara with s...
2020-03-271h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardJoe Gordon Folk Four to Doreen Villiers via Bugs Bunny.Melvin Jerome Blanc, the man of a thousands voices- Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Barney Rubble and Bugs. So many Looney Tunes favourites. Three from Bob Crosby, including a Shakespearian sonnet. Les Compagnions De La Chanson and The Three Bells. Lovely Gallic harmony. A 'B' side, In the Light of the Silvery Moon but what is the big hit on the other side? Nat King Cole and The Four Knights, more Winifred Atwell, Georgia Gibbs, Jean Goldkette and Gary Miller, the singing voice of Troy Tempest in Stingray. A pioneering Rock and Roll star, who last year was touring Britain at...
2020-03-251h 01
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardWinifred Atwell, Teresa Brewer to Arthur Godfrey and Bill HaleyThe first Forgotten Songs from the Broom Cupboard to be recorded as a podcast. Its the same format as ever, an eclectic mix of lesser known, forgotten and neglected artists and songs. Some 'B' sides too. All on good old 78rpm. Its a Scottish start - the Trinidad born pianist Winifred Atwell launches us with Highland Boogie. Listen out for the mad bagpipes. A proper pipe band with The Bowhill Colliery Pipe Band next(pictured). They won the Pipe Band World Championship in 1947. Kay Starr, Kitty Kallen, Lonnie Donegan, Bill Haley - with more Boogie. Richard Tauber on a P...
2020-03-181h 01
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardThe accordion of William Hannah to Andy Kirk & his Clouds of JoyWilliam Hannah(pictured) was the top Scottish accordian player in the 1920s and 30s and the rider of fast motorbikes. We have Georgia Gibb, Dorothy Squire and a Capitol, single sided promotional record from June Christy, 'Not I.' Its a cracker. A couple of Woolworth's own brand labels Elipse and Embassy. Both evocative of their times. In the same vein Columbia's own house band, The Denza Dance Band. Some pure cheese from The Hill Billies and Old Faithful. Its a raucous start with a Bill Haley 'B' side and Bob Crosby and his Bob Cats. Andy Kirk and h...
2020-03-081h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardThe Light Crust Dough Boys to John Henry and BlossomQuite few British artists this time round. Billy Cotton celebrates The Festival of Britain in 1951. Jazz from long servicing musicians George Chisholm and Joe Daniels. George Formby sings In his little Wigan garden. No doubt its riddled with double entendre. Three unusual acts Phyllis Robins sings a real piece of Northern English social history, 'In my little bottom drawer.' All about gathering stuff together for your wedding. Phyllis was known as The sheffield Bombshell. Impressionist Florence Desmond does Jimmy Durante in her Hollywood Party. John Henry and Blossom(pictured) were a popular double in the 1920s and 30s...
2020-03-081h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFrom Paula Green to Josh White, via hungry cannibalsIt's an odd but energetic start with Alma Cogan, the girl with a giggle in her voice. Here she sings about Lizzie Borden, the girl with an axe in her hand! Lena Horne, when she was still a big band vocalist, Connie Boswell and Barbara Lyon. She was the daughter of Ben Lyon and Bebe Daniels, the US stars who made it big in Britain. Paula Green and her Orchestra. Paula sang with Joe Loss and Glenn Miller and was born in blackpool, Lancashire. Also appeared on the WW2 show ITMA. French star Jean Sablon, you get variety here...
2020-03-0759 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardMugsy Spanier and Wingy Manone to Sugar Chile RobinsonRock Island Line the song that originated in the USA and came over to UK to be sung by Lonnie Donegan. We have a 45rpm sneaking in. A local song, not even Edinburgh its Leith and from the 1980s, its certainly forgotten and its a mystery artist- J Sutcliffe. Wingy Manone and Mugsy Spanier. Great names, great tracks. Two from Eartha and one from Patti Page. On a bit of a toe curling note, Matty O'Neil sings ' Don't sell daddy anymore whiskey.' A baby cries all the way through it! 'Just wee deoch an' doris,' in S...
2020-03-0759 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardArthur (guitar boogie) Smith to a spaced out Harlan Lattimore.Bit of a naughty with start Cest si bon and Eartha. Fats Waller celebrates Rump Steak in a serenade. Harlan Lattimore and his spaced out 'Chant of the weeds.' Wonder what that's about? Lucky Thompson, jazz sax pioneer, puts in an appearance and then it all goes down and dirty again with Red Ingle spitting out his Chew tobacco rag. Talking of dirty. Arthur( Guitar boogie) Smith plays Express Train Boogie. His 'Feuding Banjos' was adapted as 'Duelling Banjos' in the film Deliverance. Uncredited he took the film producers to court and won. Having seen the film he...
2020-03-0259 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardTom Foy from 1913 and Bob Crosby does ShakespeareFats Waller bewailing those big feet. The Tanner Sisters sell their toffee apples. They were a support act for Buddy Holly when he toured Britain. Stella went on to a successful career as an actor. The special effects dept have a ball with Ernest Butcher's 'Peaceful Street.' The poor man can get no sleep for the sound of street vendors, road works, horses, factory sirens. All the sounds of a 1930s street. Hal McIntyre with KiIlle Killie, vocals by the Four Lyttle Sisters- their real family name was Gourley! We also have Burl Ives, Blue Baron, Les Paul and...
2020-03-021h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardFreddy Quinn in German Eartha Kitt in SpanishHeavens we start off with some 45rpms. The German, well Austrian, Freddy Quinn. Huge selling star in gemany in the 1950s and 60s. He's going all South Seas and Elvis like. French star Sach Distel also sings in German- not sure how successfully! Jean Campbell on an Embassy record' Woolworth's own brand. Jean was very much a jobbing singer. Its her voice in the TV adverts for Beanz Meanz Heinz in the 1960s. Also Eartha Kitt and Oggere from the 1956 album Thursday's Child. Lush orchestration from Henri Rene. Early country from Al Dexter. Also Dinah Shore, Bob Crosby, Lionel H...
2020-03-021h 01
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardHarry Parry to Les Paul and Mary Ford, all from 78rpm records.The rather forgotten racked Mary Ford track. There is more of course.Harry Parry and his Radio Rhythm Club Sextet, George Shearing on piano. Dinah Shore, The McCravy Brothers with some folky, country gospel from the early 1930s. Izzy Bonn, a Jewish singer from London, famous for My Yiddishe Mama Cootie Williams with the brilliant track ' Blues in my condition'. Another great title ' How I love Bulgarians' is followed by Donald the Dub from Frank Crumit. Vera Lynn from 1936, before going solo. We finish with a 'dreamy' Les Paul and multi tracked Mary Ford. There is more of...
2020-03-021h 00
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardBob Skyles to The Chee Chee GirlWestern Swing from the great Bob Skyles and his Sky Rockets on Birdbird from 1938. The Chee, Chee Girl herself, Rose Murphy. Connie Boswell, who influenced Ellie Fitzgerald. Frank Crumit sings about Prunes. Not too many song about that shrivelled up fruit! A local record from 1934, 'Tam O Shanter,' recorded live in George Street Edinburgh. Billy Cotton, Ossie Nelson and their bands. We finish with a superb version of Frankie and Johnnie from Jimmie Rodgers. There are others of course.
2020-03-0259 min
Forgotten Songs from the broom cupboardA mix of 78, 45 and 33rpm records on the theme of drinkingWe have a theme in this episode and a mix of 78, 45 and 33 rpm records. My favorite love song: Frankie Froba and Love song in 32 bars. We aren't talking about musical bars here it's pubs..what a woman! Other wise we have beer Barrel Polka, Hop Scotch Polka, Phil Harris and Wine, Women and Song. A Scottish tongue twister in McGinty's Meal and Ale, Val Donigan with The juice of the barley. Pet Clark sobers us up with Black Coffee but Dorothy Squires is So Tired. Unusually for me in visit the 1970s with Thin Lizzie and the brilliant Whiskey...
2020-02-2300 min