[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Publius, and thank you for Rachmaninov’s “The Star Spangled Banner”.

[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HAROLD ARLEN

COTTON CLUB PARADE OF 1932: ”HARLEM HOLIDAY”

This 1937 recording is a historic artifact. Chick’s band ruled Harlem back in the day. One night Benny Goodman’s band went up to Harlem to play a battle of the bands against Chick. In the memorable words of Benny’s drummer Gene Krupa, “They kicked our asses.” An unknown vocalist named Ella Fitzgerald was working with Chick, and this is one of her first recordings.

Chick Webb with Ella Fitzgerald: “Harlem Holiday”