During the Second World War, no draft board would have judged Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Clarence Williams, or Eva Taylor fit for active duty. But their “music for morale” did a great deal to cut through the darkness. I am a total nomcombatant, but I love these stirring sounds.
“Fats” Waller And His Rhythm: Fats Waller, John Hamilton, Gene Sedric, Al Casey, Cedric Wallace, Arthur Trappier. New York, July 13, 1942:
Here’s an even more direct statement of willingness to fight, in two takes, by Clarence Williams’ Blue Five: Clarence Williams, James P. Johnson, Grace Harper, Nathan Barlow, Wellman Braud, Eva Taylor. New York, October 22, 1941:
then the alternate:
Add in thousands and thousands of V-Discs, whose story will be told before long.
And, going back a few years, the hot sermon, preached by Tommy Dorsey and his Clambake Seven: Tommy Dorsey, Max Kaminsky, Joe Dixon, Sid Block, Dick Jones, William Schaffer, Gene Traxler, Dave Tough, and Edythe Wright. New York, March 27, 1936.
I can’t argue with that title.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 