Soundies: Early 1940's Music VideosSoundies: Early 1940's Music Videos
Sure MTV may not show many music videos these days, but before they even knew what a music video was, there were Soundies. These early versions of music videos were created in the 1940's and were shown on coin-operated juke boxes in clubs and restaurants. They were especially popular for spreading performances of African-American artists (who were blocked from performing in other public formats). (Wikipedia)
Zig Me Baby with a Gentle Zag (Featuring Gai Moran, Danny Hocktor)
It's like the "Hit Me Baby One More Time" of the 1930's. The shadow of the band makes a really great backdrop as these two shake it with such classics as playing the air piano dance. In all the soundies, they are over-excited , but I could probably do without the dork next to the singer dancing his smile off.
Awesome soundie. Not only do you have seven Marimba Queens playing the xylophone, but a guy with seven Red Bulls in him playing the upright bass. Watch for the best part, when he brings the bass upfront. That guy knows how to rock out.
Hollywood Boogie (Featuring Thelma White and Her All-Girl Orchestra)
All girl band with the happiest, most spotlight-hoggin, back-turning conductor I've ever seen. And those pants!
In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town (Featuring Johnny Long)
I love the horns and sax on this song. I love the lyrics. I love the way everyone sings and smiles and looks like they wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I love this one.
View other Soundies on:
- Archive.org
- YouTube (which has more popular ones from the likes of Duke Ellington & Louis Armstrong)
- Awesome Cab Calloway one from Soundies.net
CommentsComments
i am 16 yrs old, but am a big fan of the music from the 1940's. for some reason or another this era facinates me, for me it like i wish i lived in that much simpler time. everything was hard working and i am just glad that i turned to an oldies station when i was 6 and heard Billy Holiday's song "It Had To Be You" for the very first time.. i love the music and it will always stay close to my heart. thank you for your time and for reading my thoughts on this...the 1940's.
I have a framed oil painting of Charlie Spivak done in 1967 by Skip Shelton. It is gorgeous. He was my Dad's best friend and even played his wonderful trumpet at my wedding. Unfortunately, I am looking to sell it as I have no room in my small home. It is about 26x30. If anyone is interested, please email me and let me know. I would love for it to go to a true 40's swing fan who would appreciate its beauty.
In addition to the oil painting, I have some great prints of Charlie Spivak back in the day...smoking cigarettes and having drinks with Glenn Miller, Charlie with Hank Aaron...etc. I will be happy to share those with anyone. I would need to make copies though. Contact info: Bjjoiner@gmail.com (919) 496-0996 Home
I too was looking for Coconut Grove (my parents used to dance to the song in the 40s). I finally found it. It was written by Harry Owens (its an Hawaiian song). I found the CD at CD universe (look up Harry Owens as the artist - the CD is called "ALOHA"). My parents confirmed - this is the one.
Hey all I'm looking for recordings of the most popular 40's music with out vocals, I know that's one of the best parts but I have a friend who is putting on a USO play and we want to sing the songs, any advice? thanks-Mark
I recently inherited about 60 individual 16mm Soundies. Their in great condition, all on their original reels. Do they have any value?
Will someone plz provide the lyrics for "chick o re chick cha-la-cha-la"....I'll be your best friend the rest of the year!
Is this the song you were referring to?
Chickery Chick
Sammy Kaye (#1 in 1945)
- words by Sylvia Dee, music by Sidney Lippman
Once there lived a chicken who would say "chick-chick"
"Chick-chick" all day
Soon that chick got sick and tired of just "chick-chick"
So one morning he started to say:
"Chickery chick, cha-la, cha-la
Check-a-la romey in a bananika
Bollika, wollika, can't you see
Chickery chick is me?"
Every time you're sick an tired of just the same old thing
Sayin' just the same old words all day
Be just like the chicken who found something new to sing
Open up your mouth and start to say
Oh!
"Chickery chick, cha-la, cha-la
Check-a-la romey in a bananika
Bollika, wollika, can't you see
Chickery chick is me?"
I cannot find a decent picture of a "Soundie" player from the forties. Can anyone help? Plenty of pictures of Jiuke boxes - theyy are still selling them! - but no Soundie machines
This viral college ad uses spike jones and bing crosby. If you are familiar with these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz4lix7hiLo
I am looking for a song from the 1940's. It was "Coconut Grove" or "In a Coconut Grove." Anyone know where it can be found?