January 2009
Jimmy Durante: Give a Man a Job - 1933
Can you think of a more timely song?
Anticipating our current president’s stimulus package by over seventy years, Jimmy Durante captures the mood of the nation as perfectly now as he does then. It is almost as if you could replace all references to Roosevelt with Obama and the short would be just as powerful as it is hilariously entertaining.
Of course, the NRA in this case is the acronym for the National Recovery Administration, which as part of FDR’s New Deal, encouraged employment, a minimum wage and a maximum of weekly hours.
You and you and you and you
You’ve got a president now
He gave the land a New Deal
You hold the cards now you deal
You and you and you and you
Put shoulders to the plow
He gave us what we asked for
Now pay him back somehow
Step out in front,
Get back of the president
And give a man a job ...
Black Colleges During Wartime - 1944
This documentary produced by the US War Department commences with a stone memorial to Booker T. Washington. We are then presented with an overview of how African-American universities were contributing the nation’s effort during World War II.
With “Progress through education and industry” the rallying call, an overview of how institutions like Tuskegee, Prairie View, Howard, and Hampton are putting in their effort.
Notable cameos include Tuskegee Airmen, scientist George Washington Carver, and Dr. Charles Richard Drew.
One wonders however with such promise depicted in this film, what would become of many of these workers once the war was over and there would be no such job and skill shortage in an unequal America.
Still, many students who had the opportunity to thrive in these courses would become important and respected members in their professional fields.
Cab Calloway: Minnie the Moocher - 1950's
Performing his signature number, Cab Calloway sings Minnie the Moocher in this performance from the 1950's. As ever he adds a few surprises like the sexy shadow dancer gyrating in the background and a new spin on his familiar scat singing.
Born in New York State with a middle class upbringing, Calloway's parents pushed him to become an attorney like his father. Instead, he followed the path of his sister Blanche, already an established jazz performer.
While filling the roles of emcee, singer and drummer during a stretch at the local Sunset Cafe in Chicago, he encountered Louis Armstrong, with who he would perform and learn the art of "scat" singing.
His big break however would be as bandleader at the famed Cotton Club, filling in while Duke Ellington was touring the country.
Mahalia Jackson Sings Two Numbers - 1964
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"Two deeply enchanting ol' tyme Gospel numbers from the Queen of Gospel. 1964
"Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho"
"Holding My Savior's Hand"
-soulssurvivor
Mahalia Jackson Sings Down by the Riverside - 1957
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"Mahalia sings 'Down By The Riverside' in a tribute to American music on the Nat King Cole Show in 1957. Mahalia swings this version of the song with bouncy precision. Love it!"
-Emeless
Louis Armstrong sings When The Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong sings When The Saints Go Marching In.
Mahalia Jackson Sings Steal Away with Nat King Cole - 1957
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"Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole sing on his television show in 1957. Hard to believe either one of them would steal anything with such angelic voices. Enjoy!"
-Emeless
Newsreel: World Football Crown - 1937
As the Bears would return to the World Football Crown in 1937, the burgeoning Redskins withstood the challenge with a newly signed rookie from Texas Christian University, a quarterback by the name of Sammy Baugh.
"Slingin' Sammy" Baugh, as he would come to be known, was particularly notable for his forward pass, a somewhat unusual play in the 1930's. Baugh was also unique in the variety of positions he played, including punter, cornerback and quarterback.
With Baugh their secret weapon, the Redskins would defeat the Bears 28-21, banishing Chicago from respectable competitiveness until the 1940's.
