Monday, February 11, 2013

When Swing Was King "Turns" 21

Well, not exactly.

But 21 is the number of different "When Swing Was King" presentations now completed. And every one is ready with music, photographs and entertaining trivia to take travelers on a sentimental journey back to the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

The completion of the 21st edition of "When Swing Was King" means a couple of important things. 1) With just two more editions to create, Claire and I will then have two whole years worth of monthly shows. That's two years of terrific entertainment for the residents of the 13 nursing homes and assisted living facilities we visit every month without having to repeat (except for the Christmas edition) any of them. Beautiful.

And 2) with the completion of those editions, I will have several more hours each month to spend on something else. That will be very nice. We've figured that the previous "When Swing Was King" editions have taken anywhere from 18-26 hours to create.  Each. And even more when you toss in the search for and editing of the photos. Being free from this duty every month will be great.

Anyhow, let me go ahead and let you know the songs, bands and singers that are a part of "When Swing Was King" Number 21. It's an impressive lineup.

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra -- "Sunrise Serenade" (1939)

2) Kay Kyser Orchestra -- "Playmates" (1940)

3) Duke Ellington Orchestra -- "Chelsea Bridge" (1941)

4)  Harry James Orchestra (Vocals by Helen Forrest) --
"I Had the Craziest Dream" (1942)

5) Artie Shaw Orchestra -- "Blue Skies" (1936)

6) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
(Vocals by Frank Sinatra, Connie Haines, & the Pied Pipers) --
"Oh, Look At Me Now" (1941)

7) Gene Kelly -- "Singin' In The Rain" (1952)

8) Chick Webb Orchestra -- "Strictly Jive" (1937)

9) Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (Vocals by Helen O'Connell) --
"I'm Stepping Out with a Memory Tonight" (1940)

10) Benny Goodman Orchestra -- "Here's Love In Your Eyes" (1936)

11) The Mills Brothers -- "Glow Worm" (1952)

12) Ethel Merman -- "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954)

As always, we have the WSWK schedule up on the Vital Signs Ministries website and we would be delighted whenever you'd like to come along and join the party.