The Big Band Era

Song Number ONE: After graduation from Indiana University, Hoagy, in 1927, recorded a wordless uptempo melody which school friend, Stuart Gorrell, likened to stardust. In 1929, after a slower tempoed version by Isham Jones proved popular, Mitchell Parrish was hired by the publisher to add lyrics. This version became the anthem of the big band era and the favorite song of a generation of Americans. Between 1930 and 1943 it was charted no less then fifteen times*. On november 11, 1940, Tommy Dorsey, recorded for a second second time. In this version by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers the song was done a very slow tempo reminiscent of their recent hit, "I'll Never Smile Again." This version was charted in 1941 and again in 1943. "Star Dust."

Song Number TWO: Hoagy earned both bachelors and law degrees from Indiana University. In one of his several movie appearances, Canyon Passage in 1946, he sang this song which he and Jack Brooks had composed. Here is Kay Kyser with Michael (Mike) Douglas, the latter day talk show host, and the Campus Kids in a version which became a Number One Chart Record "Ole Buttermilk Sky."

Song Number THREE: In addition to his song writing Hoagy was a writer, penning two books of reminiscences: The stardust Road (1946) and Sometimes I Wonder (1965). His mother, Lida, was a talented pianist who played at parties and at silent movie theaters. By high school, Hoagy was emulating her skill. This 1940 Glenn Miller hit, he composed with Ned Washington. The singer is Ray Eberle. It remains one of the most played Carmichael tunes, returning to hit status in 1953 when sung by Bob Manning. "The Nearness Of You."

Song Number FOUR: Trumpeter and arranger Sonny Dunham contributes a memorable solo in this 1939 recording by Glen Gray. Written in 1930, this number, which Hoagy composed with the above mentioned Stuart Gorell, achieved its greatest fame with Ray Charles' Number One Chart NARAS Award Winning record in 1960. Subsequently recorded by the Righteous Brothers (1966), Wes Montgomery (1968) and Willy Nelson (1978), it is the State Song of Georgia. "Georgia On My Mind."

Song Number FIVE: Composers singing their own songs was not common in the big band era. However, Hoagy broke the mold. Indeed, up until the advent of the Beatles, Hoagy was the most successful such artist. Here is an example of Hoagy singing with Ella Logan accompanied by Perry Botkin and orchestra. Hoagy composed this 1938 hit with Frank Loesser for the film Thanks For The Memory, where it was performed to great acclaim by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. Fats Waller had the Number One Chart record of Hoagy's "Two Sleepy People."

^ Wilder, Alec (1990). American Popular Song: The Great Innovators 1900-1950.

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