Song of the Day #19 - Benny Goodman and his orchestra - Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)

Today's Song of the Day takes us back a bit in time. And oh by the way, I am a firm believer that every big occasion should be celebrated with a great big band.I also believe firmly that any music that has been a favourite among the teenagers will awaken something in the teenagers of the current age. Sing, Sing, Sing, must be one of those songs. There is simply so much rock'n'roll in it. Just listen to that beginning; the drums fills you with anticipation and then the horns come in and stuns us before the whole thing kicks into action. This must be one of these tunes who make anyone want to dance like their life depended on it. I have been  listening to quite a few newer versions of this tune the last days, and there is simply nothing that beats the original with Benny Goodman and his orchestra. The song was written by Louis Prima and first recorded by him with the New Orleans Gang in 1936 through, but imagine the impact the big bang version of Benny and his gang had in 1937! No one had heard music like that.

The 16th of January this year marked the 75 year anniversary of Benny Goodmans concert of this in Carnegie Hall in New York, that is known as making jazz household and acceptable to listen to. Our grandparents weren't that bad as teenagers. I can still remember my grandmother giving me a lecture on "jittebug" when "Wake me up before you go go!" came out in the 80's! So grab your loved ones and take them for a swing around the living room.

First a recording of the tune (twice!) with footage from the famous concert and Benny. (A OK recording, but the ones further down are better, but not complete and not Benny and the gang)



Here they are in the movie "Hollywood Hotel" in 1937. Quite a drummer that Gene Krupa!


Benny Goodman and his orchestra performing the song in 1955 as part of the movie "The Benny Goodman Story" as a movie version of what happened in 1938


 

Great covers: Big band covers of Radiohead

Not surprisingly, I have heard many great covers of Radiohead-songs over the years and posted a few here as well, but this is the first time I have heard a big band do it. And this is just plain and simple very very cool. I love all the details of these songs, so it's very exciting to hear how they have incorporated them into their versions, but at the same time put their own touch to it. I also think that signifies good songs, when they can be translated into all kinds of genres and still sounds fresh and is interesting to listen to. Great stuff and proof of the presence of genius. And how proud one must feel to be celebrated with great covers like these. Enjoy and have a nice weekend. And I am sure more will come in time.