1st RECORDING OF: Caravan - Barney Bigard (1936)

Here's the original version of "Caravan," with Barney Bigard and His Jazzopaters.

Here are the personnel:

Barney Bigard, Clarinet

Duke Ellington, Piano

Cootie Williams, Trumpet

The song's composer, Juan Tizol, on Trombone

Harry Carney, Baritone Sax

Billy Taylor, Bass

Sonny Greer, Drums

Obviously, Barney's group consisted of members of Mr. Ellington's orchestra, including the Duke himself.

Recorded in Hollywood on December 19, 1936 and released on Variety #VA 515.

1937 Red Nichols - Wake Up And Live (Three Songies, vocal)

Here's the title song from the film musical "Wake Up And Live," with Red Nichols and His Orchestra with vocal by The Three Songies (Russell Crowell, George Bacon, and Jack Wilcher).

Recorded on March 14, 1937 and released on Variety #VA 524.

1937 George Hall - Our Penthouse On 3rd Avenue (Dolly Dawn, vocal)

Time for a visit to "Our Penthouse on 3rd Avenue," with George Hall and His Orchestra, with vocal by Dolly Dawn.

The song is from the RKO Radio picture "New Faces of 1937."

Recorded on May 6, 1937 (my mom's 21st birthday!) and released on Variety #VA 569.

1937 George Hall - There's A Lull In My Life (Modernaires, vocal)

Here's music by George Hall and His Orchestra, "There's A Lull In My Life" from the 20th Century-Fox motion picture "Wake Up And Live."



Vocal by the pre-Glenn Miller ( and pre-Paula Kelly) Four Modernaires.



Recorded on March 25, 1937 and released on Variety #VA 526.