Tal Henry & his North Carolinians (Undated)

There’s a great misconception of North Carolina when it comes to music. Many people think of the state as being predominantly represented by such musical acts as Earl Scruggs and Andy Griffith, or “shag music” from the shore. And we’re proud of that stuff. But our musical history is much more diverse than that. It covers all genres; including the rare and elusive traveling jazz -dance band orchestra and comedy act of Tal Henry and His North Carolinians.

Well, in actuality Tal Henry was born in Georgia in July of 1898. He arrived in North Carolina; Burlington to be exact; after he had completed his education at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music located in Dayton, Virginia. In North Carolina he worked at Elon College, near Burlington, where he taught violin, an instrument he had been playing since he was 7 years old.

His first experiences playing for entertainment seem to have been in the Burlington area around 1919. He was the violinist with Frank Hood and his band; now making his home in Greensboro. By 1924 he had taken over the band which he named Tal Henry and His North Carolinians. It’s not clear just how many of the band members were from North Carolina, but the name was a big draw at college campus parties and social events in the surrounding area.

Next the band found work in Washington, Pennsylvania doing the same thing as they had in Greensboro; playing dances and events; only now they had a home at the Washington Hotel where they were under contract as the house band. Remember that radio was just coming into play as a major means of entertainment, and so “society bands”; as they were known at the time; were still in great demand.

The next move the band made was to Charlotte; which at the time was poised to become the great center of music that Nashville became later on. Charlotte only lost her hold due to the logistics of the vaudeville circuit. At the time her 50,000 Watt transmitter at WBT-AM was the largest one in the South, and as such the station drew all kinds of entertainers to its studio on Tryon Street. Arthur Smith was a regular and had his own show. He loved Charlotte so much that he never left it; dying there (here to me) just about a year ago. There the orchestra performed at the opening of the Hotel Charlotte in 1924. But the bands big break finally arrived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania when they were introduced to Bob Hope and George Burns. They were booked to join the troupe for a sixteen week tour beginning immediately.

From then on the band worked more or less non-stop for about 27 year; appearing on stage, at galas and celebrations, on radio, television and even a few movies along the way. They worked with just about everybody in show business at the time, including; Bob Hope, ,Mary Pickford, Kate Smith, Kay Kyser, Fred Waring, Paul Whiteman, Jan Garber, Duke Ellington, Vincent Lopez, Randolph Scott, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Hal Kemp, Jack Marshall, Nat "King" Cole, Ina Ray Hutton and even a young Lionel Hampton.

I have run across the name of the band several times over the years while reading both fiction and non-fiction books. I figured it was high time to find out who he was and how he fit in to the history of music in North Carolina. He may not have been born here, but North Carolina is the place he learned how to swing.

Jackie "Moms" Mabley

Jackie “Mom” Mabley was the Minnie Pearl of the old Chittlin’ Circuit. There’s only one big difference between the two; “Mom” came first by about 20 years. She appears to have hit the circuit sometime in the early 1920’s, arriving in Harlem at the height of the Cotton Club and everything else which came to symbolize a vibrant Black Renaissance; Langston Hughes, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and the list goes on and on.

Whoopi Goldberg narrates and appears in this lovingly made documentary about the life of one of show businesses arguably most beloved comediennes. Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Billy Mitchell and a host of others, all reminisce about, and add individual bits of knowledge concerning “Moms” and her sometimes not so clear biographical background.

But one thing is sure in all of their minds; this little woman with the big heart was one the most unusual, and outspoken of performers to come down the pike. And to have done this as a woman during the time period in which she lived, made the journey; let alone the actual feat; remarkable to say the least.

Raped twice and forced to give up both children, she never really had another man. She was an un-closeted Lesbian off stage; even dressing as a man and squiring beautiful young women with her wherever she went. Off stage there were no house dresses and funny hats. There were 3 piece suits and gold watch chains, with a fedora to top it off!

I first became aware of “Moms” through the magic of the Merv Griffin Show, which aired after school. She fascinated me with her stories; she told stories more than she told jokes. Her stories always touched on the human condition; as well as politics.

Here again was a woman way ahead of the curve. But armed in that housedress, with no upper teeth in her mouth, speaking from beneath a floppy hat, she could; and did; say whatever she wanted to say. Sometimes the white audiences didn't know if they were being made fun of or not. Black audiences loved her because she could say what they were thinking, and say it on the television!

“Moms” was born in Brevard, North Carolina years before many of the comedians she has influenced, right down to the present day. Arsenio Hall, Kathy Griffin, Joan Rivers, Jerry Stiller and Eddie Murphy all appear in this film to share the influence which she had upon them.

If you have never heard of “Moms” before, then you need to hit You Tube and then get this HBO biopic to catch up with the rest of the world. Here’s something to start you off;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM880a92rgo

"South of East Jesus" by G. Bernstein (2014)

The cover of Glenn Bernstein’s newest novel, “South of East Jesus”, speaks volumes about the dual nature of human beings. The silhouette depicts a man and a woman; one in portrayed in light; and the other in darkness. You can see through them both. Even the title contains a message of sorts; as if we are all a bit shy of the mark when it comes to perfection.

I don’t know whether my assessment has any validity to it, or if I have conjured up this explanation as a result of Mr. Bernstein’s tale, which explores these very questions. He does so through the character of Renny, a woman who finds herself alone and pregnant after the suicide of her husband Parker.

When an emergency terminates the pregnancy of one of her twins, Renny finds herself in the care of Dr. Thomas Ryan, a widower, and a man with a reputation to uphold. Renny, on the other hand, has nothing to lose and everything to gain as she finds herself drawn to this kind, empathetic professional.

But lines get blurred when simple acts of kindness become more than simple, and Renny stokes the fires of passion with her every move. Soon, they both face the biggest single dilemma of their separate lives. What happens as a result of having crossed those lines becomes something which consumes them both.

Steamy dialogue and fast paced writing make this a compelling read for fans of romance novels. I could hardly keep the book out of my wife’s hands long enough to read it myself, without searching for it each time I went to pick it up. This is Mr. Bernstein’s 2^nd book, and I would suspect that it will not be his last.

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Mickey Rooney - RIP

Word just came in that Mickey Rooney; iconic force of entertainment; has passed away at age 93. An accomplished professional in all aspects of show business, his passing represents yet another loss to the golden days of vaudeville, radio, movies and television. 

We shall not see the likes of him again; which makes you tube all the more worthwhile. For a good example of his powerful dramatic acting skills hit the following link;

http://robertwilliamsofbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-comedian-with-mel-torme-and-mickey.html

"The Other Side of Oz" by Buddy Epsen (1993)

Everybody loves Buddy Ebsen. And we all know that he was supposed to be the original Tin Man in the “Wizard of Oz”; only leaving the role due to an allergic reaction to a very stupid choice of pure aluminum powder for makeup. But the full story of Buddy Ebsen’s life and fabulous career is rarely told. And, who better to tell it; in that inimitable style of his; than Buddy Ebsen.

Born in 1908 Mr. Ebsen was one of those lucky enough to have a career in vaudeville, silent films, talkies and then television. Alone at first, and then with his sister Vilma by his side, he played in several shows on Broadway, and even in the Ziegfeld Follies.

There is so much of Mr. Ebsen’s personality in these pages; it’s like having your grandfather talking to you; especially if you read it like Barnaby Jones. His chapter on the film he did with Shirley Temple was very timely; Ms. Temple passed away just as I finished reading it. His description of her as a very sincere child ring true to what I have read elsewhere. She was slated to play opposite him in “The Wizard of Oz”, but a scheduling conflict with the other studio made it impossible.

Mr. Ebsen is philosophical about it all; including his own problems associated with the film; dismissing it as a stroke of luck. So many of the people involved in that film were the victims of “bad luck” later on in life that he feels almost as if he and Ms. Temple may have both “dodged a bullet”, so to speak. Even Margaret Hamilton; the Wicked Witch of the West; was the victim of severe burns on the set.

This type of thinking concerning fate appears several times throughout the book, as when he encounters Max Baer at a Championship fight in the late 1930’s. In describing the incident he marvels that he was interacting with a man who would later father the child who would not only appear with him in one of his greatest commercial successes, but would also save his life. I won’t spoil that one for you; let’s just say it’s worth the read.

His experiences trying to get in the Navy, and finally settling with the Coast Guard; before winding up in the Navy anyway; are an excellent example of the futility in trying to deal with the government. There was a war on, Mr. Ebsen wanted to fight for his country, yet he couldn't get in! Only after he gave up trying did he get to serve. And then it was on a weather ship off the NW coast of the United States, where he served as Executive Officer aboard the USS Pocatello. He spent a couple of years sending weather balloons aloft in defense of freedom.  This was actually good preparation for his later role on Broadway, where he played the hapless Mr. Roberts, a Navy Lieutenant who was just dying to get off his cargo ship and into the war. Most people remember Henry Fonda in that role, but Mr. Ebsen played it first. Still, this experience was the culmination of his boyhood love for the water, and the springboard to a lifelong love of yachting and racing.

After the war came his only real lack of steady employment in the entertainment business. With the advent of TV came the decline of Vaudeville. Broadway was in a new heyday, but with fewer shows than there had been pre-war. At one point he was reduced to one night stands as part of a 3 act show in movie houses in Brooklyn. This was the lowest point of his career. After having played in the Ziegfeld Revue and alongside some of the best acts in entertainment history, this was the point at which he almost gave it all up. But then along came Disney.

His role alongside Fess Parker; who wound up playing the title role originally promised to Mr. Ebsen; made him “hot” again, and he began to get offers from just about every TV show around. He even got to do his dance routines again for a new audience. Then came the guest spots on programs such as The Andy Griffith Show, where he played a vagabond who has a bad influence on Opie. To prevent the boy from idolizing him too much, he does something very bad; but also very brave; in order to bring the boy back in line.

Within a year of that episode he was in front of the camera, starring as the straight man in Paul Henning’s award winning “The Beverly Hillbillies”, which ran 9 years. This show featured Max Baer, Jr., the son of the boxer previously mentioned. He really does save Mr. Ebsen’s life during the filming of one particular episode. The only hint I’ll give you is that it happened during the filming of one of the “Double Naught Spy” episodes.

This book was an unexpected surprise which came to me while wandering the “stacks” at the library in Mooresville last week. Beautifully illustrated with photos from the authors own collection, this is a book for fans of Broadway, vaudeville, movies and television. And, even if you don’t like The Beverly Hillbillies, you will find much to like about this book.

Sammy Davis, Jr. - Entertainer.

You need only one word to describe the essence of Sammy Davis, Jr; that word is Entertainer; with a capital E and a period at the end. Fluent in the arts of singing, dancing, impressionism, and everything in between, Mr. Davis is one of those who came out of the last days of vaudeville; touring with his Uncle in the Will Maston Trio at the age of 3. The man was literally born on stage. And then dominated it, in spite of racial and physical difficulties which would make it hard even in today's enlightened era.

After serving in the army during the 2nd World War Mr. Davis took to the stage and from there went on to Hollywood and Las Vegas. It was during that period when he made the acquaintance of Frank Sinatra, beginning a friendship which would last until the two men died. Sinatra was the one who brought Mr. Davis into the fabled Las Vegas "Rat Pack", making him part of a legend even while they were still performing.

His solo career soared after the release of his first #1 single "Hey There" in the early 1950's. With his signature voice and suave style of performance it was not too long before he was headlining on that new medium, television.

This film is from one of the literally hundreds of TV appearances he made during the late 1950's and 1960's. I don't know which show it's from; if you recognize it please let me know. What really makes this a great clip to watch is that it's longer than the average 3 minutes, and Mr. Davis gets to show off his unique range of talents.

To really hear Mr. Davis at his best; using his fantastic vocal power and range; then listen to this song which is usually associated with Robert Goulet; the heckler is Frank Sinatra. The recording was made in Chicago in October 1963. And, for a really good book on Mr. Davis' life, I'd recommend his autobiography, "Yes, I Can."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhJkEMapV_0

"At the Codfish Ball" - Shirley Temple with Buddy Ebsen (1936)

Shirley Temple passed away the other day. She was 85 years old. She was also Buddy Ebsen's favorite dance partner; next to his own sister Vilma, of course.  I was just reading about Ms. Temple in Mr. Ebsen's autobiography "The Other Side of Oz", which I will review here next week.

Ms. Temple was the first choice for the role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", which would've suited Mr. Ebsen just fine, as the two had worked together before. This number, "At the Codfish Ball" is from the film "Captain January", which was released in 1936. Godspeed and keep on dancing Ms. Temple!

"Gracie - A Love Story" by George Burns (1988)

What can be said about a book that is so good I have read it three times since it was released in 1988? The book is a love story; just as the title states; but it is also a history of vaudeville, as well as a bare display of the humor and affection which Mr. Burns’ clearly held for  both his wife, as well as their craft.

Married for almost 40 years to a woman whose age he did not know; her birth certificate was destroyed in the San Francisco Earthquake; Mr. Burns only really discovered himself when he met the tiny, five foot tall, 100 pound Gracie. She was at least 10 years his junior, and he was all of 27 at the time.

In a way, they were the perfect couple for their time. Life was new to them, and radio was new to the world. Just as they were learning how to live, the medium of radio was doing the same. And as the medium grew, so did Burns and Allen. Successfully wooing his rival for Gracie’s affections wasn’t easy; but he did it just the same. When she fell ill out west on a vaudeville tour with George, he made sure she never received his flowers or calls, sort of “salting the shaft” you might say. Call it what you like, he got the girl.

From radio the two moved on to do several movies, many with other stars in productions like Broadway melody of 1932, which was their first big film. And who can forget them with W.C. Fields in “The Big Broadcast of 1936”? That is still one of my favorite films to watch when I am feeling down.

The book serves as a tribute by Mr. Burns to his wife, who died at the age of 58 years old from a heart condition. But along the way, she ran for President on the Surprise Party Ticket against Roosevelt in 1940, launched a nationwide search for her brother; who really did exist and was not missing; and generally surpassed the standard for the “Dumb Dora” type of actress, while still preserving her own artistic integrity. As George Burns points out, she never threw a pie, nor took one in the face for a laugh. She got her laughs as being the soul of the nation. They came to love her through her appearance on radio, in movies, and still later, in their own living rooms as Gracie and Allen explored the limits of a new medium called television.

Written in 1988, when George Burns didn’t know he had another dozen years to go, he kept us laughing right up until the end, but never forgot his beginnings. Each time he would plan to do a new show; or make a movie; he would go to the cemetery where Gracie was buried and talk to her about it. If the vibes were right, he’d do it. One of the greatest love stories to ever come out of Hollywood, this book is a loving tribute to a woman who was so much more than she appeared to be. And when you find out just who she truly was, you will love her all the more. Oh, by the way, George Burns wasn’t half bad himself. It’s just that he was twice as good with Gracie. I hope he’s puffing on his cigar. (Read this book and then you will understand that last line.)

"The Seven Foys" with Bob Hope and James Cagney

This is a dance routine performed by James Cagney and Bob Hope in the 1955 film "The Seven Little Foys". The Foys were a vaudeville act comprised of seven children, hence the name of the act "The Seven Foys". The children were all the off spring of Eddie Foy, a vaudeville entertainer who was noted for his generosity in dealing with other entertainers, whether it was money, a place to stay, or just someone to talk to. Eddie Foy had always been a solo act, until the day of the fire at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago,on December 30, 1903, which almost cost him his life.

At about 3:15 PM, during a matinee performance, an arc light set fire to one of the curtains, engulfing the entire stage in flames and igniting the theater as well. With panic raging all about him, Eddie Foy took the stage, attempting to calm the audience, even as pieces of burning scenery were falling all about him. In spite of these efforts by Mr. Foy, over 600 people perished in the fire. This episode is recreated in the 1955 film, which stars Bob Hope as Eddie Foy.

Eddie Foy had started out as a solo act, vowing never to "double", or become part of an "act". Boy was he wrong in his assumption. He hadn't counted on falling in love with Italian ballerina Madeleine Morando. In a short time they were married and found themselves surrounded with 7 children. After the death of Madeleine, Eddie came to realize that he had been a lousy father to his children. So, naturally, he decided to make them a part of the act. Later on, they would become the act.

When the movie of Eddie Foy's life was made, actors actually fought to be in the film, and some even worked for free. The dance routine above is of Bob Hope, as Eddie Foy, competing with fellow vaudevillian and song writer George M. Cohan, reprised by James Cagney from his earlier role in "Yankee Doodle Dandy", in a tap dance routine at the Friars Club.

For more about Eddie Foy and his family, Wikipedia, as usual, is a valuable resource. Read more about him and his children here;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Foy,_Sr.

"Who's On First?" with Abbott and Costello

I want the day off, so I'm just posting one of my favorite Abbott and Costello pieces. There are so many permutations of this bit, from movies to TV and radio appearances, each one slightly different due to the timing and the audience reactions. This one is from the movie "The Gay Nineties."

When I was a kid one of my favorite shows on television was the "Abbott and Costello Show". I loved watching them screw Mr. Fields out of the rent with their unique brand of mathematics. But the "Who's On First?" routine is still one of my favorite bits of comedy. I actually have this in MP3 for listening in the car. There is no accounting for taste...

While browsing through You Tube I came across this gem from the Bush years in the White House. It's based on the above routine and is very funny. It involves President Bush finding out that President Hu has become the new head of China.