Big Band Birthdays: Buddy Rich

In this Podcast Extra of "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" we celebrate the celebrate the birthday of one of the most influential drummers of all time - Buddy Rich.  Buddy was born on September 30, 1917 in New York City, New York.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Buddy Rich and hear a couple of his songs, then check out this Podcast Extra of The Big Band and Swing Podcast: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Helen Ward

In this Podcast Extra of "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" we celebrate the birthday of a female vocalist who had such a great voice - Helen Ward.  Helen was born September 19, 1916 in New York City, New York.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Helen Ward and hear a couple of her songs, then check out this Podcast Extra of The Big Band and Swing Podcast: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Raymond Scott

In this Podcast Extra of "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" we celebrate the birthday of one of the most creative and unique bandleaders of the Big Band Era - Raymond Scott. Raymond was born on September 10, 1908 in Brooklyn, New York.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Raymond Scott and hear a couple of his songs, then check out this Podcast Extra of The Big Band and Swing Podcast: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Jan Savitt

In this Podcast Extra of "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" we celebrate the birthday of a bandleader who had very strong ties with classical music but really knew how to Swing.  Violinist, arranger, the Stokowski of Swing himself, Jan Savitt. Jan was born on September 4th, 1907 in what is now considered Ukraine.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Jan Savitt and hear a couple of his songs, then check out this Podcast Extra of The Big Band and Swing Podcast: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Count Basie

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the most influential musicians of the Big Band Era, pianist and bandleader, Count Basie. Basie was born on August 21, 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Count Basie and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Larry Clinton

Today we celebrate the birthday of trumpeter, bandleader and arranger - Larry Clinton.  Larry Clinton was born on Aug 17, 1909 in Brooklyn, NY.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Larry Clinton and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Big Band Birthdays: Skinnay Ennis

Today we celebrate the birthday of bandleader, vocalist and overall entertainer - Skinnay Ennis. Skinnay was born on August 13, 1907 in Salisbury, North Carolina.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Skinnay Ennis and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Melodies and a Lullaby - Episode 74

Includes music by The Andrews Sisters, Dick Stabile, Tony Pastor and Ralph Flanagan. We also learn what happens to a fish out of water. Spoiler Alert: It Dies!

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Freddie Slack

Today we celebrate the birthday of of Daddy Slack himself - pianist, Freddie Slack. Freddie was born Aug 7, 1910 in Westby, Wisconsin.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Freddie Slack and hear a couple of his songs, then check out this Podcast Extra of The Big Band and Swing Podcast: 

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Shakes, Zigs and a Gentle Zag - Episode 73

Contains some great vintage recordings by Gus Arnheim, Claude Hopkins, Louis Jordan and Jimmie Lunceford.  We also learn a little bit about Alvino Rey and Stringy the Talking Guitar.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Louis Armstrong

Today we celebrate the birthday of a trumpet player and vocalist who just happened to be one of the most influential musicians of not just the Big Band Era but the whole world of Jazz itself - Louis Armstrong. Louis was born on Aug 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Louis Armstrong and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Exploring The Cafe Rouge - Episode 72

Includes vintage performances from Glenn Miller, Woody Herman and Artie Shaw. Ronnaldo dusts off the ol' Time Machine and takes you back to 1943 to visit the iconic Cafe Rouge.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Buddy Clark

Today we celebrate the birthday of a true crooner - Buddy Clark.  Buddy was born on July 26th, 1912 in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Buddy Clark and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Linda and the Dipsy Doodle - Episode 71

This podcast includes some music from Benny Carter, Anson Weeks, Ray Noble and more.  Ronnaldo plays tracks from old AFRS Radio Shows including Command Performance, Jubilee and One Night Stand.  But hey, he always does that.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Kay Starr

Today we celebrate the birthday of a great female vocalist of the 1940's and 50's - Kay Starr.  Kay was born on July 21st, 1922 in Dougherty, Oklahoma.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Kay Starr and hear a couple of her songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Tonight is Your Lucky Night - Episode 70

This episode features vintage recordings from Erskine Hawkins, Boyd Raeburn and Harry James. We also learn a little bit about Lucky Lager.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Music and Pictures From The Sky - Episode 69

This episode of Big Band and Swing Podcast includes some great vintage music from Jimmy Dorsey, Ray McKinley, The Dinning Sisters and more.  Ronnaldo also discusses the differences between Snader Telescriptions and Soundies.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Louis Jordan

Today we celebrate the birthday of The King of the Jukebox - Louis Jordan.  Louis was born on July 8th, 1908 in Brinkley, Arkansas.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Louis Jordan and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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Big Band Birthdays: Jerry Gray

Today we celebrate the birthday of violinist, arranger, composer and bandleader - Jerry Gray.  Jerry was born on July 3rd 1915 in Boston, Massachusetts.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Jerry Gray and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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A Frolic and a Jam - Episode 68

This episode features recordings from Bing Crosby, Ralph Flanagan and Duke Ellington. We also listen to some more tracks from the Saturday Night Swing Club.

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The Hungry Count is Jealous - Episode 67

This podcast includes recordings from Vaughn Monroe, Charlie Barnet, Raymond Scott and more.  This episode is as exciting as a circus and a three day rodeo wrapped up into one!

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Ben Pollack

Today we are celebrating the birthday of drummer and bandleader - the Father of Swing himself, Ben Pollack.  Ben was born on June 22nd, 1903 in Chicago, Illinois.  Happy Birthday Ben!

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Ben Pollack and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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Maybe I Need More Coffee - Episode 66

Features music from Les Brown, Glenn Miller, Dinah Shore and no, I don't have that high energy delivery of Ernie Bubbles Whitman.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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"A Little Jive is Good", said Martha - Episode 65

Includes recordings from Ella Fitzgerald, The Ink Spots, Larry Clinton and more.  Ronnaldo thanks some new Hepcats for supporting the podcast.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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A Milestone for the Podcast

This weekend "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" reached the milestone of 50,000 All Time Downloads.  The podcast was launched in March of 2020 and since then the audience just continues to grow and grow. At last count, listeners have tuned in from over 90 different countries to listen to Big Band music. How cool is that! A big thank you to all of you that have been listening every week.

For those of you unfamiliar with the podcast: "The Big Band and Swing Podcast" focuses on the music, artists and history of the Big Band Era of the 1930's and 1940's.  You will hear both classic and forgotten Big Band recordings and performances rescued from Old Time Radio Broadcasts, Soundies, V-Discs and other AFRS archives. 

When you get down to it, if you are a fan of The Big Bands and the history surrounding the Swing Era, then I encourage you to check out the podcast.  I think you'll really enjoy it.  You can listen to episodes here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for listening,

~ Ronnaldo 

Remember:  If you would like access to Bonus Content and Podcast Extras then join our Patreon and become a Hepcat.  It's a great way to support the station.  

Check it out at: SupportSwing.com

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A Double Dose of Bandleader Blondes - Episode 64

Features music from Ina Ray Hutton, John Kirby, Artie Shaw and more.  We also learn a little bit about vocalist and actress, Thelma White.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Upbeat Music from the War Years - Episode 63

Includes recordings from Johnny Mercer, Bea Wain, Glenn Miller and more.  An upbeat way to recognize Memorial Day.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Peggy Lee

Today we are going to celebrate the birthday of the beautiful, sophisticated and very talented vocalist, Peggy Lee.  Peggy was born Norma Deloris Egstrom on May 26, 1920 in Jamestown, North Dakota.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Peggy Lee and hear a couple of her songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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Dusting Off The Panoram - Episode 62

Features the audio portions from Soundies by Tony Pastor, Billy Eckstine, Buddy Clark and more. Ronnaldo also plays tracks from Jan Savitt and The Andrews Sisters.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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A Beautiful Mornin’ from Tackyville - Episode 61

Includes music from Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and more.  We also learn some informative tips on what to do on a date.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Static and Clicks from Kalamazoo - Episode 60

Features songs by Louis Jordan, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and more. Ronnaldo discusses cleaning up old audio and welcomes new Hepcats.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Crew Cut and Other Grooming Tips - Episode 59

Includes tracks from Bobby Sherwood, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller, Tony Pastor and more.  We also listen to some clips from a helpful educational film that focuses on How To Be Well Groomed.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Ella Fitzgerald

Today we celebrate the birthday of a true vocal icon, Ella Fitzgerald.  Ella was born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Ella Fitzgerald and hear a couple of her songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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Strange Cargo and a New Time Machine - Episode 58

We listen to music by Will Bradley, Count Basie, Harry James, Les Brown and many more.  We also take a fun little trip back in time to one of Glenn Miller's last broadcast performances as a civilian.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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I Got Rhythm, Man! - Episode 57

Includes music from Artie Shaw, Jan Savitt, Glenn Miller, Jimmie Lunceford and much more.  Ronnaldo thanks some of the newest Hepcats and Anacin helps us with our headaches.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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The Saturday Night Swing Club and More - Episode 56

This episode features songs from Vaughn Monroe, Bob Chester, The Andrews Sisters, Hal McIntyre and many more. We also hear some tracks from an old radio show called The Saturday Night Swing Club.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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In the Mood for Contrasts - Episode 55

Includes music from Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Johnny Mercer, Valaida Snow and much more. We also learn how to make your bath a real pleasure.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Saturday is a Blue Ribbon Night - Episode 54

This episode features songs from The Andrews Sisters, Frances Carroll and The Coquettes, The International Sweethearts of Rhythm and more. Ronnaldo discusses the passing of both Viola Smith and Helen Jones Woods in 2020.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Who's Buzz Adlam? - Episode 53

This episode includes music from Bunny Berigan, Jan Savitt, Duke Ellington and Bobby Sherwood.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Nat King Cole

Today we celebrate the birthday of vocalist and pianist Nat King Cole.  Nat was born on March 17th, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Nat King Cole and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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My Favorite Object - Episode 52

This episode features songs from The Boswell Sisters, Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway and more.  Ronnaldo thanks the newest Hepcats for their support.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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The Bandleader Factory - Episode 51

Features music from former members of the great Ben Pollock Orchestras from the 1920's and 1930's. These talented musicians later became the iconic bandleaders of the 1940's.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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A Cheesy Powerhouse - Episode 50

Includes songs from Raymond Scott, Artie Shaw, Ina Ray Hutton and Frank Sinatra.  Ronnaldo plays a very cheesy radio ad and we hear some great Soundies.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Jitterbugs, It's a Good Day - Episode 49

Features some fantastic music from Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Helen Forrest and more.  Ronnaldo plays an old clip that focuses on Jitterbugs and we hear a great Benny Goodman track from 1939.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Charlie Spivak

February 17th marks the birthday of trumpeter and bandleader, Charlie Spivak.  Charlie was born Feb 17th of 1905 or 1907 depending on who you ask.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Charlie Spivak and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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Topical AND Tropical - Episode 48

Features some great tracks from Bob Chester, Buddy Rich, Glenn Miller and more.  Ronnaldo thanks some of the newest Hepcats and we take a quick look at some Big Band music with a Hawaiian flavor.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Chick Webb

Today we celebrate the birthday of legendary drummer and bandleader, Chick Webb.  Chick was born on February 10, 1905 in Baltimore, Maryland.

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Chick Webb and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra:

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The Magic Touch of Kirk, Day and Goodman - Episode 47

Includes some great music from Andy Kirk, Doris Day, Benny Goodman and more.  We also learn the secret behind the unmade-up look.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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Big Band Birthdays: Roy Eldridge

Roy Eldridge, one of the finest trumpet players of the Big Band Era, was born on January 30th, 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Happy Birthday Roy!

 - If you'd like to learn a little more about Roy Eldridge and hear a couple of his songs, then check out the Podcast Extra: 

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Soundies and Some Jam - Episode 46

Features some great music from Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Larry Clinton and more.  Ronnaldo also plays a bunch of Soundies and an All-Star Jam Session from 1946.

* All music in this podcast are Creative Commons.  Artists are credited within the podcast.

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