IE

ULW

HO ¥ R O M

JA N U A R Y , 1947 ew Year Brings Crisis lo Bands; Woody and Ithers Chop Payrolls HE N EW year has brought rad- cal changes in the music profes- ion. Several of the nation’s most opular maestri have junked their ands; others have disbanded tem- orarily and are awaiting reorgan- :ations with less expensive side- len. Cutting Payrolls Popular Woody Herman, Les Brown and snny Goodman are now in Holly- Dod without bands, but all hope to organize shortly with payrolls cut >m around $5,000 to $3,000. Good­ in is using a studio group (see page for his radio show. hopes to reorganize in e January after two months without orchestra. also is ing off. Ditto . Jerry aid just reorganized completely. Jack agarden dropped his ork and formed mall combo. There is talk that Jimmy rsey soon will break up his aggrega-

Bandleaders Are Worried The new year finds bandleaders wor­ d. The trend, for the first time in ■^HAT L IL T IN ’ Tilton gal, Martha, is back home in to stay awhile, e years, is toward smaller orchestras, and already she is being featured regularly on the NBC Sunday “ Meet Me at d sidemen who will work for $100 Parky’s’’ program emanating from . Opie Cates, the Arkansas her than $200 and $250 a week, maestro who raises hogs at his California ranch, conducts the orchestra piness in ballrooms, hotels and night behind La Belle Tilton’s animated chirpings on the program. Martha’s newest ibs is at least 30 per cent under that a year ago. Capitol etching pairs “ Connecticut’’ with “ How Are Things in Clocca Morra,” the latter a hit tune from the new Broadway show, “ Finian’s Rainbow.’’ In Individual stories surrounding the nds will be found in this issue of the private life Martha is the wife of Leonard Vannerson, widely known artist’s Pitol News. manager. Benny Coodman boosted her along the road to success in 1937. *1

PACE 2 THE CAPITOL THE CAPITOL PACE 3 DAVE DEXTER’S THE Theaters, Then Coast for Kenton Published Monthly by surface noise CAPITOL PUBLICATIO NS, INC. Sunset and Vine, Hollywood 28, Calif. Big Payroll No

EDITED BY DAVE DEXTER, JR. Enter 1947: The Gravy Train Slows Down Problem to Stan "¡"HE BU BBLE has burst, busted wide open, pricked and exploded. ’s high-flying aggre­ There will be vast changes in music this new year and for a long time gation moved from the Paramount Theater on ’s Times to come. A lot of untalented, ill-equipped guys who have been lead­ Square to a long series of eastern ing third-rate bands and getting away with it have faded or soon one-nighters in late December, and Hotel Lincoln will exit from the picture; a legion of inferior who cockily while other leaders were screaming and complaining about “ poor box-office drew inflated paychecks, since Pearl Harbor, will be lucky to get everywhere” the SK band went right on Gentlemen: union scale for their efforts. Spring will be a little late this year. But racking up high grosses night after As one who travels extensively, and night. only for those who are overdue in receiving their comeuppance. whose ears are ever-alert to new music, Change in First Alto Chair new trends, on new records, it appears Toward the close of 1946 things became so bad— so unbal­ Eddie Myers, a highly regarded first significant that vast changes have re­ chair altoist who worked with Kenton anced— that a man like W oody Herman, who slaved and sacrificed cently been taking place within the once before, rejoined the reed section. recording industry. Perhaps my observa­ nine years to win success, found himself earning nothing while a Myers took over Al Anthony’s book. tions will prove interesting, even in­ half-dozen of his sidemen were cashing weekly paychecks of more Herb Jeffries was reported to be formative, to you and to your many joining Stan as vocalist. But the deal thousands of readers of the Capitol than $250 each. It didn’t make sense. Nor did it make sense to Good­ fell through after all the music mags News. man, Les Brown, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Carter, Harry James and announced it. Herb, who once sang with I am a layman, as the musicians say, and who, in recent years, but I love music more than anything other popular leaders who fought their way into the charmed circle has been working as a single in Cali­ else I am aware of. I read that swing the hard way. SKITTISH SKITCH Henderson and “ Ceraldo,” noted British bandleader fornia, definitely will not join Kenton bands are disappearing, that “ sweet” ! who recently visited New York and Hollywood, are photoed together on a for the January theater tour which the music is coming back fast, that the It’s all a part of the adjustment that Americans in all walks of -Philco rehearsal. Henderson’s solo piano is featured on the pro­ “ Artistry in Rhythm” outfit is now be­ ginning. record business is booming, that it is life are now making following the war years. It has happened before gram, and also on Capitol etchings. “ Ceraldo” actually is Cerald Bright. slumping, that swing is on the upbeat— and it will happen again, human beings being what we are. Things Few of Skitch’s American fans know that Skitch, too, was born in Creat Soon W ill Hire Vocal Croup it’s all confusing and not amusing. Britain. look bad right now. But they looked worse in 1921. Kenton, however, will hire a vocal But based on visits and discussions group shortly. He still is scheduled to in more than 500 record shops from Better times are coming, not only for those of the music profes­ return to California, with the band, in to the past six sion, but for Americans engaged in all types of endeavors. Perhaps February. Whether the ork will play the months, I offer you the following ob­ the year 1947 will bring proof. Certainly the war years, and 1946, Jess Stacy, Other Vets Rejoin Los Angeles Avodon or the H ’wood servations for what they may be worth Palladium has not yet been determined, as the new year arrives: were anything but 365-day picnics. The better musicians, the better however. bands, the better singers and the better entertainers will enjoy their Stan’s weekly payroll now is “ more The small labels are fast disappear­ Goodman for NBC Program than $5,500 and still going up,” ac­ ing. Most record buyers, I believe, w el­ greatest harvests in the next 12 months. But the kolos, the dipsy cording 1o his pudgy manager, Carlos come this trend. I have more than 1 50 boys, the untalented— all those performers who cashed in and profited returned to the west coast in December without Gastel. But so far the tall piano- labes in my collection; virtually all of by the personnel shortage— had better resume their lessons. The new >a band, but it didn’t take him long to get together a crack studio outfit pounder has announced no plan for them are notable for inferior balance, year holds little in store for them. From here on out American music for his Monday night NBC program in which he shares billing with whittling it down. bad surfaces, backing a shoddy tune lovers can expect— and demand— more for their money. They’re Victor Borge. with a good tune and— invariably— costing a dollar or more. They are over­ back in the driver’s seat again. The biggest news surrounding Goodman’s radio band is the return priced and under-quality. W e consumers of Jess Stacy to the piano chair. Short Shots From Here and There who thumped for Benny 12 years ago ‘Sleeper’ Pushing were forced to buy them a year ago Stacy, for several years one of the in New York. when production of established labels A NGELES songpluggers are peeved— and protesting— because L os top BC sidemen, junked his own George Hill selected the musicians and top artists was limited. Now we Price to Fame two or three major ballrooms have revoked their admish passes. orchestra recently and will remain in for Goodman. want no part of the hybrid output. “I Ain’t Mad at You—And You They feel they shouldn’t have to pay to enter inasmuch as it’s strictly Hollywood to play network shows. Red Benny, with his wife Alice and their A in’t Mad at Me.” As for styles, there isn’t any appreci­ Ballard and Lou McGarrity, trombones, “ business” . . . That recording deal last month set a new two daughters, will now be able to That’s the inane lyric that is making able trend. Kenton, Herman, Good­ also are Goodman alumni who have re­ high for intrigue. Basie himself doesn’t quite know what happened. . . Boyd enjoy his home in Westwood. He pur­ Jesse Price, veteran drummer and man, James and a dozen other top- turned and Babe Russin, on tenor, is Raeburn’s backer, Stillman Pond, bought up every Down Beat he could find chased it three years ago and has spent singer, a national favorite as the new notch “ jump” bands still sell the most still another who— years ago— was in L. A. to insure Raeburn’s placing in the annual poll. But that doesn’t only a few weeks here because of year begins. Price has been singing the records. Their music is still the most prominently showcased in the Goodman mean that Ned Williams accepted the heavy shipment of ballots carrying eastern commitments. His hassle with tune several years— he first heard it in refreshing, the most original. ensemble. California postmarks. . . A t press time it looked as if Ray Herbeck would Singer A rt Lund still is in effect but Kansas City— but it wasn’t until his The companies which maintain high replace Vido Musso at Meadowbrook. Musso’s outfit developed fast, and is Others making the new Goodman Lund will likely obtain a release from Capitol record was released during the quality in studio balance, in surfaces, styled excitingly a la Basie. . . The King Cole Trio won more polls last month unit include Ray Linn and Uan Rasey, his contract with Goodman in Jan­ Christmas holidays that it caught on. uary. Benny’s brother Freddy is now in calibre of talent and in selection of than any music group in history. Even topped its 1945 haul. . . And to those ; Tommy Pederson, trombone; Now featured with his own small tunes need have no worries. America who have submerged this pillar with queries, you obtain the new “ managing Lund. Skeets Herfurt, Jack Chaney, Heinie combo at Eddie’s Cafe in San Diego, loves good music— and good records. Cavalcade’’ book by sending three bucks to Criterion Music Press, R. K. 0. It is likely that BG will make a Beau and Charles Gentry, reeds; Harry Price has hopped into the ranks of na­ But we want the best, at a fair price. Building, New York City. . . Welcome 1947, and may you bring good things movie or two while coasting, but he tionally-noted artists overnight, and to those who deserve ’em. I Ain’t Mad at You (And You A in’t Mad at Me). • Babison, bass; Barney Kessel, guitar; intends to keep his schedule down to HAROLD M. HARWOOD. already he is receiving offers from and the veteran drummer Sammy Weiss, a minimum. bookers to play eastern theaters. *

PACE 4 THE CAPITOL THE CAPITOL PACE 5 Herman Herd Cole Rolls Along in Top Theaters off the cuff Awaits Call to R O Y ELDRIDCE organized still an­ New Year Looms other band last month and jumped 'Concerto' Set at the chance to headline the show Big for His Trio Unattended by publicity, Woody at Billy Berg’s Club in Hollywood. Herman returned to Hollywood the Following their boffo nine-week It’s a small combo, but sprightly, day before Christmas and enjoyed run with Stan Kenton’s band at with Roy’s heated horn pacing the fes­ tivities. Trombonist Trummie Young, the holidays with his wife and the N.Y. Paramount Theater and a Ken Kersey at the piano and W illie daughter in the new Herman home short nitery engagement in Buffalo, Smith on alto sax get billing along with atop a mountain overlooking the Sun­ the King Cole Trio this month hits the leader, and they broadcast at mid­ set strip. the road on one of the longest theater night over KFW B. Smith will probably Herman, who hit the jackpot two tours ever booked. rejoin Harry James’ orchestra later this years ago after struggling for success! Opening New Year’s Day at the month. But he— and the Eldridge side- since 1937 with his own band, will Royal in Baltimore, Nat and his men, men— are getting their kicks while the spend part of January, he said, com­ Oscar Moore and Johnny Miller, will engagement lasts. pleting details of the “Concerto for follow that run with a week at the, Johnny” film production he has long Earle Theater in Jan. 10 John Hammond, for 1 5 years rated as planned. The final shooting script now through 1 6. And then in fast succession the world’s greatest authority on hot is being readied for the cameras and come these bookings at top money: jazz, spent 10 days in L. A. uncovering Woody is meeting daily with his youth-, Howard Theater, Washington, D. C., new talent and making the rounds. It LITTLE JA Z Z and Harry James ful arranger, Ralph Burns, to shape up Jan. 23-29; RKO, Boston, Jan. 30- was his first California visit in nearly greet each other in H ’wood, Eldridge the musical score completely. Feb. 5; State, Hartford, Feb. 14-16; five years. just having made his debut with a Igor Stravinsky will play himself ini Downtown, Detroit, Feb. 20-26; RKO, new small combo and Harry ready the picture. It is expected, too, that Columbus, March 4-6; RKO, Cleveland, W est coast music fans would like to to reorganize his band again after Stravinsky’s controversial “ Ebony Con­ March 7-12; RKO, Cincinnati, March see Dick Stabile pitted against Illinois a long vacation. James has a dozen certo” also will be utilized in the movie. 13-19; Paradise, Detroit, April 12-17. Jacquet for “ high note’’ honors in a horses stabled at Santa Anita and battle of the stratospheric . The Herman herd has been play­ Occasional one-night stands will be spends most of his spare time, with Dick emphasizes freak notes on his ing theaters and one-night concerts played by Cole between theater engage­ Betty Crable James, clocking bang­ ments. current Aragon Ballroom stand. throughout the Middlewest in recent tails carrying his colors. weeks. The overwhelming success of the “ UNCLE REM U S” of W a lt Dis­ Herman’s band will be virtually all­ group’s “ Christmas ” record has Boyd Raeburn, who has led a band ney’s “ Song of the South” film new when he reorganizes. All of his boosted its stock to a new high as a two months out of the past 1 2 months, George Bassman quit as musical di­ actually is James Baskett, veteran high-salaried sidemen will be gone, Big Tea' Hit box-office attraction. Mort Ruby is has advised friends his outfit has been rector at MCM after 1 1 years. actor, who tells tales like no other and that means that men like Bill managing the group on the road. selected the most popular “ new” combo man. Here he is shown recording Harris, Flip Phillips and Sonny Berman of 1946 in the Esquire mag poll to be French film star Louis Jourdan ar­ those stories from the picture for are out. Hollywood musicians will un­ By Pneumonia announced shortly. And what makes it rived in Hollywood just a few days be­ Capitol’s “ Song of the South” album doubtedly be hired by Woody, and at ‘Mad Mab’ on Deck all the more intriguing is the fact that fore pulled into town with With ill at his to be released this month. Also tak­ smaller salaries. But the picture is Raeburn has been leading a band for his Tympany Seven. ing part are Luana Patten and Woody’s chief interest. Long Beach home, his younger At Casino Gardens 10 years. Musicians await Esquire’s ex­ Bobby Driscoll, who likewise are brother Charlie took over the lead­ planation. This year’s Rose Bowl game failed to seen in the Disney film. Johnny , the “mad mab” of ership of Jack’s new small combo at receive the attention of previous bat­ Mercer also is heard in the album, the , followed Orrin Tucker’s the Hollywood Susie-Q Club on Dec. 10. Orrin Tucker took his band east after tles because of Big Nine conference Ella Mae Morse the first platter package to be issued ork on the bandstand at Tom Dorsey’s a run at Casino Gardens. tieup. Teagarden last month junked his big by Capitol in 1947. Casino Gardens Ballroom in Ocean Park band and reorganized with a jumping outside L.A. in mid-December. — Photo by CharlieMihn. MGM’s Herbert Stothart is busy «cor­ , his wife Luise and sev­ Weds Navy Man six-piece outfit, but shortly after open­ ing “ A Woman of My Own” film. eral members of the Rey orchestra spent It was a surprise marriage for ing at the Susie-Q was stricken with holidays in California before resuming Ella Mae Morse Dec. 6 in Boston pneumonia. He is reported recovering Son for the Malnecks Paul W eston’s next album may be eastern tour. Vaughn Monroe Coming when she took vows with Lt. Com­ rapidly. M atty and Claire Malneck, long titled “ Music for Snoozing.” mander Martin Gerber. Other members of the band still Vaughn Monroe makes his first west prominent in W est Coast music circles, The Merry Macs, with Imogene Lynn working with Charlie are George Ever- coast appearance in two years starting parented an 8-pound son last month in Corky Corcoran, tenor saxist, has as fern voice, off to San Francisco to Miss Morse, on tour of the eastern bach, drums; Don Owens, piano; Art Feb. 4 when he, his band and battery nearby Santa Monica. M atty leads the been gigging around town with small play Golden Cate Theater opening theaters for several months, will con­ Lyons, clarinet, and Dale Jones, Bass. of girl singers open at the Palladium. band at Slapsy Maxie’s nitery in Holly­ combo while Harry James vacationed. Jan. 1. tinue her tour and an engagement at Charlie’s boots the band along They’ll follow . wood. the famed New York Paramount is be­ in the absence of Jack’s burry tram. ing skedded for spring. Her husband is said to be a popular physician, and one who has a brilliant Reyes to Chicago record in the service. Ella Mae’s first husband, Dick Showalter, also was in Chuy Reyes took his band to Chicago vith and His OrtheJtra the navy during the war. He is a pian­ to open at the Copacabana on Dec. 26. ist-arranger. It’s a “latin” society ork featufing B a m t i m e ’ Reyes’ piano. —— Glenn Henry on Tour Benny Carter, still resting, is shaping Clenn Henry’s California band is up a book on alto sax technique to be F. , CAP. 342 touring the Pacific Northwest through! published this spring. the month of January. THE CAPITOL PACE 6 THE CAPITOL PACE 7 Les Brown on Vacation, Meet the Jockey! SA M M Y TAYLO R holds forth in the Hollywood Leaps as Radio Center Pacific Northwest, at Station KWJJ in But W ill Reorganize Band Portland, refusing to play what he calls Hal Bourn ork, Date W ith Judy: Tues­ days on NBC. “ mickey” records 1947 Looms Big and building his Charles Dant, Dennis Day: Thursdays W ith Less Expensive Men programs around For Air Talent on NBC. Back at his home in Beverly Hills and without a band for the first excellent musi­ Carmen Dragon ork, Drene: Sundays cianship. Sammy H O L L Y W O O D IS fast becoming on NBC. time since he entered Duke University more than a decade ago as an the radio center of the world. It is strictly a night- M atty Malneck,.. Duffy’s.. Tavern: undergraduate, Les Brown has been doing some plain and fancy loafing haw k at the was true a year ago and it is even Wednesdays on NBC. mike, all his and is in no rush to resume his career as a maestro. more true as 1 947 begins. Roy Bargy, Durante & Moore: Fri­ shows being aired Brown has never been able to take the time to enjoy family life. days on CBS. between 10 p.m. W ith moving the Last year, when he purchased the and 1 a.m. Much twice-weekly Chesterfield NBC show Billy Mills, McGee & M olly: Tuesdays house in Beverly Hills for his wife, of fan mail comes from New York to Hollywood— Paul on NBC. son and daughter, he vowed that from Canada. A Weston’s orchestra and the Starlighters Frank DeVol, Cinny Simms: Fridays he would disband his orchestra “ before veteran of three years in the navy, he’s assisting— the number of national pro­ on CBS. grams emanating from Filmtown has much longer and forget the music biz noted for a fast spiel and a sincere Bernard Katz, H ’wood Players: Tues­ hit an all-time high. for a while.” knowledge and interest in music. His days on CBS. And that’s precisely what he’s doing. listeners have remained loyal for 10 Chicago, according to statistics sup­ Lionel Newman ork, Star Time: Sat­ But soon, in late February or March, years. plied by AFRA, seems to be slipping urdays on CBS. Les will set sail again. Instead of a ______* more rapidly than any other center. But Desi Arnaz, Bob Hope: Tuesdays on $5,200 weekly payroll, however, he in­ New York also is slumping. NBC., tends to limit it to $3,000. His two Figures given the Capitol News by brothers will return to blow horns. Also Jan. 15 Opener Phil Fischer, radio rep of AFM Local 47 Rudy Schrager, Deal in Crime: Satur­ days on ABC. expected back is Butch Stone, singing in Los Angeles, categorically indicate saxist and comedian. the incredible increase in activity here Jack Meakin, Joan Davis: Mondays “ Musicians’ salaries got out of hand on the west coast. Breaking the chain on CBS. during the war years when sidemen For Jordan Ork shows down by the musical principals, Lou Kosloff, Life of Riley: Saturdays were hard to get,” Les says. “ A guy the following are now being beamed to on NBC. who was inexperienced and who act­ W h ile other bandleaders scream j the nation from California: ually didn’t deserve union scale of $90 HOT ATTRACTION despite the Lou Silvers, Lux: Mondays on CBS. of poor box-office receipts, and 'f Jo Stafford, Paul Weston, the Star- asked and got as much as $150, $200 national entertainment slump is HOME A G A IN in Southern Cally, Al Sack, Maisie: Fridays on CBS. Louis Jordan, who returns to Holly­ ponder paying their sidemen, Louis lighters: Tuesdays, Thursdays on NBC. and more. Things have changed. There’ll Jo Stafford is airing her NBC “ Sup­ Bernard Katz ork, Mayor of Town: wood night life Jan. 15 at Billy Jordan heads towards California Skinnay Ennis, Abbott Cr Costello: be some new faces in my band when per Club” show Tuesdays and Thurs­ Saturdays on CBS. we roll again.” Berg’s. This pose is from one of his with his Tympany Seven chalking Thursdays on NBC. days from 6000 Sunset Boulevard in Opie Cates ork, Martha Tilton, Meet Brown will probably resume at a recent motion pictures, made and up record grosses on virtually every Leith Stevens, Academy Award The­ Hollywood with the help of Paul Me at Parky’s: Sundays on NBC. Hollywood ballroom. But instead of produced in New York by his man­ stand. ater: Wednesdays on CBS. W eston’s music, the Starlighters and Irving Miller, Mel Blanc: Tuesdays on losing money every week, as he often ager, . Martin Block. Jordan and his mad little crew play Andy Russell, Hit Parade, Mark War- CBS. has done in the past few years, he hopes two weeks of theaters in Los Angeles now: Saturdays on CBS. Elliott Daniels ork, Pall Mall: W ednes­ to come out a few bucks ahead. And before opening, on Jan. 15, at Billy Ed Bailey Prexy of , Pied Pipers, Axel Stor- days on NBC. meanwhile he’s having a ball with his Berg’s boite on Hollywood’s Vine street. Paul Smith ork, Eddie Bracken: Sun­ dahl: Wednesdays on CBS. Lou Kosloff ork, Finnegan: Thurs­ youngsters. Local 767 Again Business has sagged at the spot the past days on CBS. days on CBS. few months and Berg himself is licking , Bob Dolan: Wednesdays Ed Bailey, for many years a leader Meredith Willson ork, Burns Cr Allen: Dave Forester, Anita Ellis, Red Skel­ his chops and anticipating the engage­ on CBS. Girl for Wallichses in national music circles, was reelected Thursdays on NBC. ton: Tuesdays on NBC. ment with an eye toward a rusty cash Bing Crosby, John Trotter, Skitch Glenn and Dorothy Wallichs accepted president of Los Angeles ’s Ray Sinatra ork, Bob Burns: Sundays Country Washburne, Saturday Night register which, he hopes, will soon be U Henderson: Bingsdays on ABC. delivery of a ’46 daughter last month Union 767 at the election held Dec. 10. on NBC. Roundup: NBC. It marks his tenth straight year as 767’s operating at full speed again with Bob Armbuster, Cavalcade: Mondays at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. She was Charles Dant ork, Judy Canova: Sat­ W ilbur Hatch ork, Lady Esther: Mon­ chief. Leo Davis, Florence Cadrez, Paul Jordan’s opening. named Susan. The father is vice-presi­ on NBC. urdays on NBC. days on CBS. Jordan, who once played saxophone dent and general manager of Capitol L. Howard and Leonard Davidson were Meredith W illson: Fridays on CBS. Eddie Paul, Jack Hal6y: Thursdays on other winners. Local 767’s membership in the late Chick W ebb’s band, is rated Freddy Martin, Jack Carson: Wednes­ Records, Inc. , Ozzie Cr Harriet: Sundays NBC. one of the mightiest “ small combo" days on CBS. is comprised of Negro performers— Jolly Joyce ork, Sherlock Holmes: attractions in the world today. On his on CBS. 800 strong— but only about 200 partic­ , Edgar Bergen: Sundays on Saturdays on ABC. Charlie Spivak Opens last trip to California he played the Ceorge W ilde ork, Allan Young: Fri­ NBC. ipated in the balloting. Lud Cluskin, Suspense: Thursdays on days on NBC. Current Palladium attraction is Char­ Trocadero. : Wednesdays on NBC. CBS. lie Spivak’s band, which followed Tom­ Vic Dickenson feeling chipper again For several years Jordan led a 5-man i( Lud Cluskin, Amos Cr Andy: Tues­ my Tucker’s Christmas week. after long illness. band, but the group now is seven . days on NBC. strong with Louie singing and playing , Gordon Jenkins, Dick Haymes: Thurs­ alto, soprano, tenor and clarinet to * days on CBS. further demonstrate his versatility. Margaret W hiting, Cookie Fairchild, Anita O’Day will be held over throug'i Eddie Cantor: Thursdays on NBC. the LJ engagement, Berg said. Del Castillo ork, Ann Scotland: Wednesdays on ABC. Carl Cotner ork, Gene Autry: Sundavc Film Score Scores on CBS. Phil Harris, Alice Faye: Sundays on Alfred Wallenstein and the L. A. NBC. Philharmonic will perform the score of Phil Harris,, : Sundays on W arner Brothers’ “ Humoresque” film NBC. this month in Philharmonic Auditorium ^ Billy Artz, Blondie: Sundays on CBS. here. A N D N O W another new year is here, and millions of eager listeners. (>erywheref with it comes increased activity in all phases Pictured below are 14 repres jntative and of the music profession. Rarely credited for popular platter pilots, men nd women, their efforts in popularizing the nation's too) who help make or break; new attrac- orchestras and singers are the wax-whirlers tion. These jocks sell everytksig from dog — -the disc jocks— who with their respective biscuits to diamonds. But the are vita! in disc-a and data wield great influence with the 1947 entertainment picti

CRAIC H ARRIS, who can sell any­ thing, spins wax on Oakland’s K L X and is said to be the most “ frantic” spieler in radio. He’s heard daily from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

FIVE OF the best on the west toast gather with Af Jarvis, ex­ treme left below, on his Sunday "Can You Tie That?” program. Cene Norman, Cathryn Cragen, RUSH HUCHES is a Middle- FRED ROBBINS iiu New JO A L L E N , at 23, conducts RUSS CO UCH LAN spins ’em Peter Potter and Ira Cook share western favorite with his tran­ York youngster whos “ 1280 the “ Romance and Dance” on the KROW “Take It Easy” the KLAC mike; all but Jarvis scribed “ Song and Dance Pa­ Club” on W OV attract one of stanza on San Francisco’s KSFO. hour via Oakland. He’s 27, and and Miss Cragen, however, toil rade” over K X O K , St. Louis, fhe largest local audii'ces in She’s a former W A C , and im­ leans toward schmalz bands and for rival stations and sponsors. and other stations. the east. mensely popular. singers. Jarvis is dean of American jocks. He “ invented” the Make Be­ lieve Ballroom idea. But the oth­ ers, here, have their audiences also.

ROGER CARROLL, still in his teens, gets his fans out of bed every morning with his cheery “ Morn­ ing Neighbor” presenta­ tion. B O B BAKER empha­ A N D Y M AN SFIELD sizes fhe “ top ten” etch­ calls his program simply ings on his afternoon airer “ Stuff.” It’s on K W K W A LAN ouRT N E Y over W T M V in St. Louis. in Pasadena daily at 1:35 holds forth Denver’s He is frankly commercial p.m. Andy is a Cornell KMYR “ Campus Yorker, in programming. University alumnus. Club.” A thing to he’s the hit Mountain111, *" years. p THE CAPITOL PACE 10 THE CAPITOL PAGE 11 Donahue Band 'Songshark' Racket Flourishing... W ill Tour With Another company asked for $75 to Amateurs Bite print 2000 professional copies and dis­ tribute them to all the radio stations. King Cole Trio On Phony Ads The company seldom did, and failed to live up to its contract in general. A Swingin’ Sam Donahue and his By SYDNEY BERM A N hint to the Post Office, a few com­ band will celebrate their first birth­ Editor, the “ ’s Review” plaints from readers of the “ Song­ day anniversary in late January, and SO it’s another year— a new writer’s Review,” and this New York “ publisher” closed up shop and scraped are set to play theaters in the com­ year in which there is hope renewed his name off the door. pany of the King Cole Trio starting for a better world. That may well Other companies issue “ stock.” So Jan. 23 at the Howard in Washington apply to music, too, and amateur we got hold of the Securities Exchange and following, on Jan. 31, at the Royal in particular. Commission, and pumped them full of in Baltimore. letters and contracts, and pretty soon Irving Berlin once remarked, rather Shirley Lloyd is the new singer with a few more songsharks will be in jail. cryptically, that “ there are 140,000,000 the band, replacing Betty George. For everyone put out of business, songwriters in the U.S.A.” He probably Leon Cop replaced Ken Meisel on there are dozens replacing them, or looked up the 1940 census figures in trombone with Sam’s ensemble. Fern staying in business. Most of them are making the remark but whether he hit Caron came in, on trumpet, succeeding just barely on the legal side, and the the figure on the head or not, certainly Lyman Vunk. only thing that will put them out of he came close. Donahue, a topnotch tenor saxist with business is an educational campaign. How They Clip You name bands before the war, is likely Beware of “ Songsharks” to be sponsored shortly on a coast to Everyone has a song in him, and it Such a campaign has been instituted, usually takes the shape of a lyric or a coast radio program by the U. S. Navy and it is just getting into swing. So if completed melody that wends its way for recruiting pitches. His band records you’re a songwriter, get hep. That pro­ to legitimate music publishers, and then only for Capitol. fessional “ melody writer” won’t do you comes right back unopened. any good; no artist or publisher will The amateur songwriter— and that consider a song half-written by a pro­ June Debut for includes musicians, salesmen, house­ fessional hack. wives, bankers, prisoners, ministers and And those publishing outfits who anyone who can turn the knob of a New BlockStanza A N IT A O’DAY popped back info promise publication for a fee are in radio— finds out that the only reception the limelight in H ’wood last month business just to print your song, not to Martin Block’s debut as a jock his get is from a man who wants when she moved from the Morocco publish and popularize it. No legitimate to write the melody or a company that on Warner Brothers’ K F W B will not Club to Billy Berg’s, where she ap­ music publisher advertises for songs; will publish his tune for a fee. Some­ take place until next June. And al­ pears six nights weekly as song star he doesn’t have to. And no record where in the contract, in one of those though he has moved, with his fam­ of the show in which Roy Eldridge’s company has to advertise for songs or small-print paragraphs, you’re sure to new band is also spotted. Her style records. Don’t fall for the malarkey that ily, from N. Y. to Hollywood and is find an agreement whereby you— the hasn’t changed much from her early permeates the press. already announcing Jo Stafford’s NBC writer— turn over from $25 to $200 S W IN G IN ’ SAM Donahue, soon to Krupa days.— Photo by Charlie Mihn. Make sure that your money isn’t in program Tuesdays and Thursdays, he (or even more) in order to insure tour eastern theaters with the King that $5,000,000 going down the drain­ declares he will “ postpone” his start on Musso May Hold “ completion” of the song, or get a pipe in 1947. Keep it in your pocket, K FW B Cole Trio, attracts the eyes of New for six months. record of it, or a publishing agreement, reap the benefits. They pocket just and keep away from all the boys who Block arrived on the coast in early York’s loveliest models in this pub­ At Meadowbrook or other lure. about all of that $5,000,000. want to “publish” or “record” your November and was set to start his new licity stunt surrounding the intro­ Vido Musso’s current run at the How the “ Fees” Add Up! Record Sales Exaggerated song— for a price. series Dec. 7. But while his new show duction of Don W o lf’s new “ Get a This “ fee” isn’t small change. Every One melody writer advertises that waits, he is still keeping active tran­ Meadowbrook in Culver City has Pin-Up Girl” song. Donahue’s crack month, the copyright o f­ four of his records released by one Southern Cally Gigs scribing his daily sessions for broadcast band introduced the ditty in Decem­ proved “ surprisingly fin e ,” accord­ fice publishes a list of copyright songs major disc company sold over one-half over W NEW in New York. Meanwhile ing to Joe Zucca, who runs the ball­ ber; this month they will observe for that month. One finds in checking million discs. The record company, For Ork K F W B carries on with such jocks as room. Maintaining a 60-cent admish those lists that hundreds of ditties list­ when questioned, said it was ridiculous; The Bob Crosby orchestra is using Gene Norman, Pete Potter, Maurice the first birthday anniversary of the tab, and running six nights a week, the ed are partly written by professional it was nowhere near a half-million, and Los Angeles as a base this month, fol­ Hart, Billy Anson, Joe Yocum, Lou Mar­ band. It was organized in January, results have been good and Vido will melody writers. Last month, for ex­ anyway, his songs were on the “ B” lowing its Avodon Ballroom run, and celle, Frank Bull (the only Dixieland 1946, following the leader’s honor­ probably stretch his engagement to six ample, there were 543 of these listed. side. But the professional melody writer playing weekend jobs in Southern Cali­ jazz fan at the station) and Allan able discharge from the U. S. Navy. or eight weeks depending upon January One melody writer gets as much as $60 goes right on advertising his record fornia. joined the band Mann. Probably no other station in the Shirley Lloyd has just joined Dona­ business following the holidays. a song, so you see it ain’t tin. sales, and his ads are printed in many, as chief arranger. Cil Rodin continues world has so many wax-whirlers. hue as fern vocalist. Musso leads the band with his tenor Approximately $5,000,000 goes down many magazines. as Crosby’s mentor. sax. His singers include Skip Nelson and the trough every year. The amateur Lynne Stevens. songwriter, finding no outlet except the shyster (whom we label the songshark), George Pal Mulls turns over that amount of money to see his name in print, to hear a record of New Flicker Plan his own song (which is supposed to go on thousands of jukeboxes, but never Because of labor troubles. George Pal does), or to have a complete melody may soon abandon his “ Puppetoons written for his song. and produce musical shorts. Woody Her­ man and Duke Ellington recently com­ Of course, nothing ever happens to pleted work in Pal productions an these songs, and that $5,000,000 goes Charlie Spivak’s band reports on the on every year, and a lot of “ smart boys” Pal set this month for another. in New York, Chicago and Hollywood THE CAPITOL PACE 12 the CAPITOL PACE 1 3 /

vine street ' ■$

gab i ¡N CASE you’ve wondered, the Slim Gaillard Trio is back in Holly­ wood. Slim’s present stand is the “fO N Y M A R T IN will probably sign Florentine Gardens nitery where he with now that shares billing with Pinky Lee, he’s no longer under contract at comic. Zutty Singleton is pounding the M GM as a singer. He asked for and drums in the Gaillard combo. received his release from Leo the Teddy Kaye replaced W ini Beatty as Lion. But the studio put to an end pianist with the Vivian Garry Trio. rumors that might be CLARK DENNIS, whose tenor STRUGGLING FOR national recognition, Trumpeter Louis Ohls last month voice has been aired via the na­ leaving. Under her new binder she returned to the Middlewest after several months in Hollywood with a c- About $600 was realized by Charlie tional networks many years, is the will star with in “ The serving young band that made a sock impression. Vocalist Tom Aubini a Emge and Ross Russell from their Club newest newcomer to the Capitol JO AN LORRY is an acrobatic Altoist Art Pepper are shown with Ohls. You'll be hearing more about them Royale benefit for Charlie (Yardbird) Good Old Summertime.” label. Dennis makes his debut this dancer, a flier and canary. Recently as the new year rolls a l o n g . ______. Parker, who has been ailing several she’s been featured with Skitch month with “ Peg O’ My Heart.” He Winner of Jo Stafford’s “ Cindy” con­ months. Parker now is much improved. Henderson’s new Hollywood dance recently concluded as star of the test on the NBC Chesterfield program band. And if those details don’t do show at Billingsley’s Bocage, smart was James J. Cusick, 815 Mill, Dun­ it these should: W eight, 122; bust, Gene (Stuffy) Norman moved his Hollywood supper club. more, Pa. Miss Stafford now broadcasts noon “ Mild and Mellow” show from 34; hips, 35; eyes, blue; hair, the show from Hollywood twice-weekly. Don't Count Him Out; blonde. She hails from Ithaca, N. Y. KHJ-Mutual over to the indie KMPC, — Photo by Gene Lester which now features 50,000 wattage. Lana Turner is said to be backing Norman continues nightly on KFWB Washington Leads young baritone Nick Delano, a Dave and Sundays on KECA with same Hudkins discovery. jThe Count Still Jumps sponsor, an L.A. brewery. New7-Man Ork Kassel, Stabile After 1 5 years as a sideman with Connie Haines back from long theater He didn’t win any of the hundreds of polls conducted this winter, Santa Anita is open again and they— several of America’s best jazz tour with Mick Rooney. At the Aragon but Count Basie goes along in his own serene way with a band that still the bangtails— are running. bands, including the Louis Arm ­ A rt Kassel and his “ Castles in the All the bands around town are hustl­ C outjumps every other outfit in the business. On his current Avodon strong ork for seven years, Trom­ A ir” orchestra are on the west coast f Ballroom run in Los Angeles, Basie and his bandsmen leap lightly on Paul W eston planed back from N.Y. ing to get “ I A in’t Mad at You” in the for the first time in many years as to make his debut as conductor on bonist George Washington latched books. It’s one of those silly novelties the major attraction at the Aragon Ball­ f ballads and instrumentals alike, and a wealth of superb soloists lend the NBC Chesterfield show with Jo out in mid-December and formed his that’s contagious enough to sweep the room on Lick Pier in nearby Ocean 'a Hit Big Time in 1936 own small combo. punch to an ensemble that is one of Stafford. nation just as "Cement Mixer” did a Park. Jimmy Rushing still shouts the blues, First engagement for George and his year ago. Jesse Price waxed it. p the most powerful, musical and Kassel’s group, a unit styled a la and the best soloists include Buddy The movie of the month, in the opin­ men was at the Plantation Club, which d precise of any in dance band his— Lombardo, alternates with Dick Stabile’s Tate and Paul Conzolves, tenor saxes; closed its doors on Jan. 1 and which ion of musicians, is W alt Disney’s clever Phil Washburne, singing trombonist, new west coast aggregation. Both out­ K tory. Emmett Berry, Snookie Young and will remain dark. Joe Morris, for several “ Song of the South” feature. It didn’t out of Bob Crosby’s band. fits will hold forth through January. Rhythm Section Impressive Harry Edison, trumpets; George M at­ cost three million dollars to make, seasons operator of the club, took over N Basie still slouches at the piano, ap- thews, trombone; Rudy Rutherford, either. as Washington’s personal manager and Desi Arnaz opened his own offices a fat role in Enterprise’s “ Burning expects to have the band set on a Los S£ pearing uninterested In the proceedings. clarinet, and Jack Washington, baritone. — at 1076 N. Fairfax in Hollywood. Journey” flicker. Angeles location by mid-January. sc But his rhythm section lays a deep Ann Moore and Bob Bailey also are new It’s a he-baby for the Dave Cava­ Backing the leader’s tram, vocals and in the band, as vocalists, since Basie’s naughs. Pop plays tenor sax and ar­ Andy Russell intends to make a na­ jumped up Vine street Q, groove and impresses as still the finest are Spalding Gibbons, last trip west. ranges for top orks; mother is the for­ tional tour this spring to plug his rec­ to the Morocco after many months as K in the land. Basie’s arrangements still piano; Robert Farlice, trumpet; Vernon It was 11 years ago, in 1936, that mer Mildred W ax of Capitol Songs in ords and film, "Copacabana,” that will top Billy Berg’s attraction. Gi emphasize the beat rather than unusual Slater, tenor; Art Dennis, alto and last six months. the Count counted his combo in a N.Y. and H ’wood. H harmonic conceptions. Kansas City bistro and took the big baritone; Cake Wichard, drums, and Vet conductor Mark W arnow has Shifty Henry, bass. C£ Barney McDevitt, the Avodon’s man- leap to Chicago’s Grand Terrace Club. Dinning Sisters have been waxing moved from Manhattan to L.A. perma­ Joe Lilley of Paramount put music to la ager, said he was pleased with the Much of that original flavor remains in discs for Cap while in H ’wood. nently and is doing the “ Hit Parade” lyrics of new song, “ Girl W ith the Con­ the Count’s music. California musicians show (starring Andy Russell) and business the band has been doing since vertible Top,” which Columnist Erskine have been flipping a lot of wigs since Monogram Picture Julie Gibson, former ork oriole, bagged “ Sound O ff” stanza from here. its Dec. 10 opening following Bob Johnson cleffed and will plug via his Crosby, who also proved profitable. the gang blew back into Filmtown. syndicated pillar. For Jerry Wald And still another band is being fea­ Desi Arnaz and band made another tured in Monogram’s series of teen-age short at Universal-International. Jane musicals. Last month it was Jerry W ald, Harvey, who chirped with Benny Good­ his clary and orchestra which went man, had a spot and also is featured under the cameras for “ Teen-Agers Go with Desi nightly at Ciro’s. West,” which Sammy Katzman is pro­ ducing for 1947 release. Spade Cooley’s “ New Orleans” film with Louis Arm- • western crew also has a spot in the pro­ strong, Billie Holiday, Woody Herman . duction. W ald recently reorganized his and others will be premiered in New t band after a run at the Palladium. His Orleans during Mardi Gras celebrat.cn ^ new group is heavy on strings, light on starting Feb. 1 8. brass. ]

THE CAPITOL PACE 14 who’s where I Cliffie Stone Hops From Bvsneü and CaPitol Combinee to ProÄ\\<* COUNT BA SIE: Avodon Ballroom. JACK TEAGARDEN: Susie-Q Club. C H A R LIE S P IV A K : Palladium. RED NICHO LS: Club Morocco. Control Booth to ‘ Mike’ THIS DELIGHTFUL ALBUM! ROY ELDRIDCE: Billy Berg’s. ART KASSEL: Aragon Ballroom. DICK ST A BILE: Aragon Ballroom. LO UIS JO RDAN: Billy Berg’s opening, With NewCapitol Contract 'Greater than Snow White," critics rave Jan. 1 5. ...and only this Disney-Capitol album RA Y HERBECK: Meadowbrook. By LEE GILLETTE RAY BAUDUC: Club Babalu. Cliffie Stone has headed up the folk department of scores with the Original Cast! SLIM C A ILLA R D : Florentine Cardens. C H A RLIE BA RN ET: Casino Cardens. for the past six months as recording supervisor. W h ile selecting and CEECHIE SM ITH : Cricket Club. writing many hits for Capitol’s cowboys, he has found time to discover M ARV A SH BAU C H : Hangover Club. a couple of top recording artists, Merle Travis and Tex Williams. M A N N Y STRAND : Earl Carroll’s. A t the same time, Capitol watched Stone’s rise in popularity on the EM IL BA FFA : Florentine Cardens. FREDDY M A R T IN : Hotel Ambassador. many radio shows he does on Los “ Silver Stars, Purple Sage, Eyes of RUSS MO RGAN: Biltmore Hotel. Angeles stations. Now Capitol is Blue” is a western ditty with a groovy M ATTY M A LN EC K: Slapsy Maxie’s. proud to announce that along with beat. On the other side is “ If You HO W ARD M cCHEE: Club Royale. other duties, Cliffie is now a recording Knew Susie Like I Know Susie.” A A N IT A O’D AY: Billy Berg’s. artist on his own. standard for many years, “ Susie” has A BBEY B R O W N E: Foy’s Supper Club. On the Air Since 1935 special lyrics that bring the tune right DESI A R N A Z : Ciro’s. His first Capitol record, with Cliffie up to date. Cliffie started on the air in PH IL O H M AN: Mocambo. on vocals, will be released this month. 1935, and since then he has done as Wall Disney \ VICTO R V IN C EN T : Roosevelt Hotel. many as 28 shows a week. That’s a lot and C a p ito l’s HOLLYW OOD FOUR BLA ZES: Randini’s. of work, but then Cliffie is a lot of president, BO BBY SHORT: The Haig. , Meet- the Jockey! man— he weighs 300 pounds! are both mighty DUKE SH AFFER: Casablanca. DAVE C A RRO W A Y is rated by many proud of their Spade Cooley, King of Western Swing, THREE BITS OF R H YTH M : Billy Berg's. new "Rem us” as “ the hippest platter pilot in the moves his gang back into the Riverside FR A N K IE L A IN E : Club Morocco. W indy City.” He’s also noted as a crack Rancho for the winter months. Cooley BEN N Y GOODMAN: NBC, Hollywood, golfer, a wit and a sucker for harpsi­ still controls the Santa Monica Ballroom Mondays only. chord solos. Heard nightly on NBC out­ and on Wednesday nights can be found LES BR O W N : On Vacation in Beverly let W M A Q in at the Trianon Ballroom in Southgate. Hills. Cottonseed Clark this week audi­ W OODY H ERM A N : On Vacation in Chi’ DaVe *S . . . . w --> plus tax tioned a brand new show for the Mu­ Hollywood. H | k good portion of tual network. Cotton has rounded yp HARRY JA M ES: On Vacation at Santa This brand new screen delight is hailed by tough critics as the top entertainers in the field. Anita. BEN N Y CARTER: On Vacation in Holly­ Big Hit Disc for Travis Disney’s greatest. And Capitol’s “Uncle Remus” Album captures all the wood. Merle Travis’ second Capitol record magical charm and lilting music from this memorable picture because is sweeping the nation, and for the past 1 2 weeks has been the most played folk it is performed by the original cast—plus Johnny Mercer and H-0 forCeechie song on the coin machines from coast The Pied Pipers! to coast. “ Divorce Me C.O.D.” was At Cricket Club aS ° n0 written by Travis and Cliffie Stone, and You’ll love the delightful dialog of Uncle although the number has been banned Ceechie Smith, his hot horn and band Remus, Bre’r Rabbit, the wily fox by two networks, it is still No. 1 with drew another holdover at the Cricket Travis followers. Merle’s next record is and dull-witted bear, in these Club, Los Angeles, and will remain there is a navy vet­ even better, and you’ll agree when you through January. Smith recently signed eran and an alumnus of Washington stories from the picture. Kids from hear “ So Round, So Firm, So Fully a Capitol recording contract and his University, St. Louis. In school he Packed,” also written by Travis and 2 to 62 will enjoy this album! “ Let the Good Times Roll” is clicking in wanted to become a golf pro but music Stone. A t present, Merle is getting set the jukes. His band of seven men has led him from the fairways to a mike. Your copy is waiting at the for a fast tour of the south at the re­ drawn good patronage to the Cricket Occasionally he even reviews the new nearest record dealer. despite the show biz slump of recent discs on the air. And it takes a lot to quest of his many fans. Tex W illiam s is still playing to capac­ months. please him! ity crowds at his big Palace Barn Dance in Los Angeles. Everybody requests Tex to play “ Leaf of Love,” which has just ______r a l 1VVÌV /I been released. Ken Nelson, musical director of ^frrrrrrrTf^ W JJD in Chicago, left Hollywood for home after a two-week visit to Capitol CORDS recording and transcription sessions. In addition to programming many Capitol Sunset and Vine transcriptions on WJJD, Ken does ses­ You’ll like sions for Capitol in Chicago with Uncle this solid dance of this IV/TH THE HITS F RO NV H01LY1VOOO hit tune from "Remus”... played by Henry’s Mountaineers and Karl and , with a smooth vo­ Harty. cal by Pat O’Connor. (Record 305.) It’s backed by "STARDUST,” witb brilliant Butterfield trumpeting! X mJ’-M CAPITOL RECORDS, Ine. Set. 562, P. I. & R U. S. PO STAGE 1483 No. Vine Street H ollyw ood 28, California P A l D

Lo* Angeles, Calif. Permit No, 12031

Postmaster: If Undeliverable FOR ANY R EA SO N notify sender on Form 3547, postage for which is guaranteed.

★ Meet Mr. Russell, B. B. * ■ ',r *

BACHELOR OF BALLADS” is the honorary degree dent of the Woodbury student body. The citation was awarded Andy Russell during Christmas week by students made because of Russell’s “ unique, personable style and of Los Angeles’ Woodbury College. Russell is shown ac­ outstanding interpretations of dreamy ballads.” If cou cepting the honor from Mary Lamat and Joe Merlo, presi­ only happen in California!— Photo by Gene Lester.