Episode Details

Welcome to Glenn Robison’s Rapidly Rotating Records, bringing you vintage music to which you can’t *not* tap your toes, from rapidly rotating 78 RPM records of the 1920s and ’30s.

On this evening’s show we’ll celebrate the birthdays of Wayne King, Orrin Tucker, Richard Himber, Walter Donaldson, Harold Arlen, James F. Hanley and Bert Kalmar, and celebrate the human spirit.

Enjoy the show!

Here’s the complete playlist:

Segment 1: Wayne King
February 16 marked the birth in Savanna, Illinois in 1901 of Harold Wayne King, better known as Wayne King, the waltz king.

Put A Little Salt On The Bluebird’s Tail – Wayne King AHO / Ernie Birchill, v.
Promises – Wayne King AHO / Andy Hansen, Ernie Burchill, v.
I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do) – Wayne King AHO / Andy Hansen, Ernie Burchill, Bill Egner, v.
Hello, Beautiful – Wayne King AHO / Andy Hansen, Ernie Burchill, Bill Egner, v.

Segment 2: Orrin Tucker
Listener Aaron in the UK reminded me that the last surviving bandleader of the 1930s celebrated his 100th birthday the other day. Orrin Tucker was born on February 17, 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lydia The Tattooed Lady – Orrin Tucker and his Orchestra / Orrin Tucker & Band, v.
I Need Lovin’ – OTAHO / Orrin Tucker, v.
Especially For You – OTAHO / Bonnie Baker, v.
Midnight – OTAHO / Gil Mershon, v.

Segment 3: Dick Himber
February 20 marked the birth in 1907 in Newark, New Jersey, of Herbert Richard Himber, better known as band leader Dick Himber.

Doin’ The Uptown Lowdown – Dick Himber and His Essex House Orchestra / Johnny Mercer, v.
Avalon – Richard Himber and His Studebaker Champion Orchestra / Joey, Nash, v.
The Marine’s Hymn – Richard Himber and His Ritz-Carlton Orchestra / Guy Russell, v.
You Ought To Be In Pictures – Dick Himber and His Essex House Orchestra / Joey Nash, v.

Segment 4: Walter Donaldson
February 15 marked the birth in 1893 in Brooklyn, New York of composer Walter Donaldson.

Yes Sir, That’s My Baby – Harmony Dance Orchestra (Ben Selvin) / Billy Jones
What Did I Tell You – Lou Gold AHO / Arthur Hall (Cr. As James Potter)
My Baby Just Cares For Me – Tom Smith and Dudd Williamson
T’ain’t No Sin – The Rhythmic Eight / Maurice Elwin, v.

Segment 5: Harold Arlen
February 15 marked the birth in 1905 in Buffalo, New York, of Hyman Arluck. You may know him better as one of the great composers of American standards of the 20th century, Harold Arlen.

As Long As I Live – The Spirits Of Rhythm / Red McKenzie
Buffalo Rhythm – Billy Stennett and His Carolina Stompers
Minor Gaff – Tennessee Tooters
It’s Only A Paper Moon – Paul Whiteman AHO / Peggy Healy

Segment 6: Jimmy Hanley
February 17 marked the birth in 1892 in Rennselaer, Indiana, of songwriter James Frederick Hanley.
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