[78-L] 78 artists--WAS: Art van Damme

[David Lennick]

Steven C. Barr wrote:
> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> Art Van Damme, R.I.P.
>> Art Van Damme, a former Northridge resident known as the father of jazz 
>> accordion, has died. He was 89.
>>
> This message illustrates a rather sad reality (especially in MY case...?!).
> The "heyday" of 78rpm recordings of popular music (often including "jazz"
> as we now know it...?!) was 1919-1950...! That is 60 to 91 years ago;
> if the players were, say, 20, when they recorded...they are now *80*
> to 111 years old! Folks "go see Jesus" at such ages! Since the last
> commercial 78's in North America were issued c.1960...50 years
> ago...the younger listeners on the 78-L list will be looking for the
> "last artist to record a 78" in a couple of decades...?!
> 
> Steven C. Barr
> 

Not directly connected to this thread, but a songwriter who composed material 
that was issued on 78s was in Toronto last night, attending the Canadian 
premiere of a musical he wrote in the 70s. Sheldon Harnick, primarily a 
lyricist (Fiddler on the Roof, Fiorello, The Apple Tree) wrote "Rex" with 
Richard Rodgers..long before that, he was doing material for revues and cabaret 
performers in the early 50s. "The Merry Minuet" is one of his songs ("They're 
rioting in Africa...."). And "Gus The Gopher" was recorded on 78 by
Two Ton Baker. I had to miss meeting him last night..I'd have teased him about 
that one. I see we also share a birthday, if 21 years apart.

dl