Benny Goodman Music Festival 46-07-01 Ep001 Somebody Stole My Gal

Summary

Benny Goodman Music Festival 46-07-01 Ep001: “Somebody Stole My Gal”
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 14, 2025

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Introduction and Event Kick-off

The episode opens with host Bud Collier setting the stage for the evening's performances at the Benny Goodman Music Festival. Introduced at [00:50], Bud announces the lineup that includes the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Trio, Sex Task, and rising star Art Lund. He warmly welcomes Martha Tilton as the night's homecoming guest and introduces Peter Donald, the commentator known as radio's storyteller.

Quote:
Bud Collier: “Ladies and gentlemen, the man behind the double lorgnette at the little end of the big clarinet, Benny Goodman.”
[00:50]

Commentary and Storytelling

Peter Donald takes the microphone shortly after, providing insightful commentary about the night's lineup. However, his initial remarks at [01:22] are brief, transitioning quickly into the introduction of upcoming segments.

Musical Overture: “Somebody Stole My Galaxy”

The concert commences with the overture titled “Somebody Stole My Galaxy” at [01:24]. This lively piece sets an energetic tone for the evening, showcasing Benny Goodman's virtuosic clarinet skills alongside his orchestra.

Art Lund’s Humorous Interlude

Art Lund, the new singing star, offers a humorous and whimsical take on music expertise at [04:14]. His monologue is both entertaining and satirical, blending playful anecdotes with mock-serious definitions of chamber music.

Key Highlights:

• Bathtub Singing:
  Art Lund: “I sing in the bathtub in my boarding house. You gotta sing in the bathtub. There's no lock on the bathroom door.”
  [04:14]

• Clarinet Capers:
  Art Lund: “In its basic form, the clarinet is merely a tube or pipe, or simply a piece of plumbing with built-in noise. Mozart first used it in the orchestra in 1770...”
  [04:24]

• Mock Definitions of Chamber Music:
  Art Lund: “Chamber music, loosely speaking, is a small group of grown men who ought to know better.”
  [17:26]

Lund's segment not only provides comic relief but also transitions smoothly into Benny Goodman’s musical performances, blending humor with musical education.

Commercial Break

At [08:03], a brief American Express commercial interrupts the flow, promoting their rewards program. As per the podcast’s guidelines, this and similar advertisement segments are typically skipped in summaries.

Interview with Martha Tilton

Returning from the commercial break, Peter Donald introduces Martha Tilton at [08:42], marking a nostalgic reunion. Martha reminisces about her first encounter with Benny Goodman and her initial big break in the music industry.

Key Highlights:

• First Meeting:
  Martha Tilton: “I was in the back row of the vocal group and you pointed at me and said, I think that girl can sing.”
  [09:10]

• Breakthrough Song:
  Peter Donald: “In your case, Martha, it was a song Johnny and Ziggy Elman wrote for you called the Angels Sing.”
  [09:40]
  Martha Tilton: “Benny heard Ziggy Elman playing an old folk tune on his trumpet. Then he got Johnny Mercer to put some words to the tune and we recorded it.”
  [09:49]

Their conversation highlights Martha Tilton's contributions to the golden age of radio and her collaboration with notable figures like Johnny Mercer and Ziggy Elman.

Performance: “The Angels Sing”

Martha Tilton delivers a heartfelt rendition of “The Angels Sing” at [10:20]. Accompanied by Art Lund, the performance showcases her vocal prowess and the timeless quality of the song.

Quote:
Martha Tilton: “We meet... and the angels sing.”
[10:20 – 11:17]

Art Lund on Chamber Music

Returning to his expertise, Art Lund delves into the topic of chamber music at [17:26]. His humorous yet insightful commentary critiques traditional definitions and modern perceptions of chamber music, blending satire with genuine musical appreciation.

Key Highlights:

• Humorous Critique:
  Art Lund: “Chamber music ... is a small group of grown men who ought to know better.”
  [17:26]

• Evolution of Chamber Music:
  Art Lund: “Our chamber music has changed to a great degree. There used to be a song called she Was Bred in Old Kentucky. Today, no Bread.”
  [17:33]

Lund’s playful monologue serves as both an educational segment and light-hearted entertainment, setting the stage for the upcoming performance by the Benny Goodman Sextet.

Introducing Art Lund as a Singer

At [22:13], Peter Donald reintroduces Art Lund, highlighting his multifaceted talents as a college football star, former Golden Gloves boxing champion, and now, a singer. This segment underscores Lund's versatility and his unique position within the festival.

Quote:
Peter Donald: “Art was with us before the war, and then he was a lieutenant in the navy. We think Art Lund's different and we hope you're going to like him as much as we do.”
[22:13]

Performance: Original Song by Art Lund

Art Lund captivates the audience with his original song “I Don’t Know Enough About You” at [22:45]. The song blends heartfelt lyrics with Lund's smooth vocal delivery, adding a contemporary flair to the evening’s classic ambiance.

Lyrics Excerpt:
Art Lund: “I know a little bit about a lot of things / But I don't know enough about you... I know a little bit about a lot of things / But I don't know enough about you. I'm confused in a spin. What can I do about you?”
[22:45 – 24:30]

Orchestral Performance: “Sing Sing”

Closing the musical performances, Benny Goodman's orchestra delivers a stellar rendition of “Sing Sing” at [24:30]. This piece exemplifies Goodman's mastery and the orchestra’s cohesive sound, leaving the audience energized and appreciative.

Final Remarks and Conclusion

Peter Donald concludes the evening by noting that the Benny Goodman Music Festival is a rebroadcast presentation of the Armed Forces Radio at [29:59]. This ties the event back to its roots in serving and entertaining armed forces personnel, maintaining the tradition of bringing quality entertainment to listeners.

Closing Quote:
Peter Donald: “The Benny Goodman Music Festival has been a rebroadcast presentation of the Armed Forces Radio.”
[29:59]

Art Lund signs off with a simple “SA” at [30:50], marking the end of the episode.

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Key Takeaways and Insights

• Nostalgia and Legacy: The episode richly embodies the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, celebrating legendary artists like Benny Goodman and Martha Tilton while introducing new talent such as Art Lund.

• Humor and Education: Art Lund’s comedic segments provide both entertainment and a light-hearted exploration of musical concepts, reflecting the show's ability to educate while amusing its audience.

• Musical Excellence: Performances are central to the episode, featuring classic tunes and original songs that highlight the enduring appeal of big band and swing music.

• Community and Connection: The inclusion of homecoming guests and the focus on long-lasting friendships underscore the communal spirit of the radio shows from the era.

This detailed episode successfully transports listeners back to a time when families gathered around the radio, creating memorable experiences through captivating performances and engaging storytelling.

Transcript

[Benny Goodman]

When you start your college career at Heritage University, you're opening the door to something big. To a world of new experiences. To personal growth and academic discovery. To friendships that will last your entire life and the future you've always dreamed of. You're opening the door to your best life. And the best part is, it won't stop here. Heritage University Operation Best Life. Learn more at heritage. Edu bestlife Foreign.

[Bud Collier]

Goodman Music Festival. Here on the concert stage are the Benny Goodman Orchestra, Trio, Sex Task and new singing star Art Lund. Tonight's homecoming guest is Martha Tilton. And our commentator is radio's storyteller, Peter Donald. Ladies and gentlemen, the man behind the double lorgnette at the little end of the big clarinet, Benny Goodman.

[Peter Donald]

Thank you, Bud Collier, and good evening.

[Bud Collier]

Right now, it's the overture. Somebody Stole My Galaxy.

[Peter Donald]

Thank you. And now the time has come to introduce a very important member of the troop. He's radio's most popular storyteller. But. But tonight he does it with a slight twist. Here he is our own music expert and commentator himself, Peter Donald.

[Art Lund]

Good evening, lovers of fine art and great music, as well as those of you who think Stravinsky and Mussorgsky were tackles with the Notre Dame team.

[Peter Donald]

Now, of course, you kind of want.

[Art Lund]

To know how I come to qualify as an expert on music. Well, I gotta let you in on a little secret. I. I sing in the bathtub in my boarding house. You gotta sing in the bathtub. There's no lock on the bathroom door. Also, another little surprise. Benny Goodman. Benny doesn't know this, but I used to play the clarinet. Only instead of just pressing a key here and a key there the way he does, I held down all the keys at once. And I got some very interesting notes that way. One was from the Board of Health. But in its basic form, the clarinet is merely a tube or pipe, or simply a piece of plumbing with built in noise. Mozart first used it in the orchestra in 1770, but it probably was invented many years before in Naples by Signor Arturo. Patti. Patti. You all know Patti Patti. He is the composer of that old Italian song, Come Back to Cimento. Now, in its lower or shalom? O register, the clarinet can be quite pleasant and is somewhat reminiscent of the love call of a delinquent Great Dane. Some authorities say, however, that the highest note, when held for a long interval, accomplishes about the same purpose as a pistol with one bullet in it. Finally, the clarinet should be played by only one person at a time, and almost never while wearing mittens. And now that you know all about the clarinet. Let's listen to one of the world's great artists. Benny Goodman thinks nothing of playing one night with Toscanini or Stokovsky while playing the next night with Stuff Smith. Poker, that is. However, here is Benny's cooling and mighty liquid treatment of on the sunny side of.

[Benny Goodman]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back. Weekend getaway. Earn miles. AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn [e-mail] terms apply.

[Peter Donald]

And now it's homecoming time here at our drive in music festival under the Stars. Back with us tonight for a visit with old friends is one of our top favorites, lovely Miss Martha Tilton. Welcome to our music festival, Martha.

[Martha Tilton]

Thanks, Vinnie. And standing up here with you in front of the band, well, it certainly seems like old times.

[Peter Donald]

Yes, and good times. Let's see, Martha, where did we first meet?

[Martha Tilton]

Well, it was on one of your programs back in 38, Benny. I was in the back row of the vocal group and you pointed at me and said, I think that girl can sing.

[Peter Donald]

For once I was right.

[Martha Tilton]

Well, that was my first big break. The break I was afraid I'd never get.

[Peter Donald]

You know, Martha, when we were planning this series, we decided to invite back some of our old friends and have them do the big number that made them famous. In my mind, Harry James is associated with. What's the name of that song?

[Martha Tilton]

You made me laugh.

[Peter Donald]

That's right. Johnny Mercer's first big hit was Goody Goody. And in your case, Martha, it was a song Johnny and Ziggy Elman wrote for you called the Angels Sing.

[Martha Tilton]

Well, that was another big break, Benny. I think I ought to explain that. Benny heard Ziggy Elman playing an old folk tune on his trumpet. Then he got Johnny Mercer to put some words to the tune and we recorded it.

[Peter Donald]

And then Martha was in. It's still a great song, Martha. And nobody sings it better than the girl it was written for.

[Bud Collier]

Ladies and gentlemen, our homecoming star, Ms. Martha Tilton brings us. And the angels sing.

[Martha Tilton]

We meet.

[Art Lund]

And the angels sing. The angels sing. The sweetest song I ever heard. You speak and the angel sing or am I reading music into every word? Suddenly the sett is strange. I can see water and moonlight beaming Silver waves that break on some undiscovered.

Shore.

Then suddenly a speed old change Hung with a night with a candle Gleaming glass with all your face that I adore you smile and the angels Sing. And though it's just a gentle murmur at the star and the angels sing and leave their music ringing in my. And the angels sing and leave their music singing in my heart.

[Peter Donald]

I see some fine print in the program notes and it says Peter Donald is to talk about chamber music. Speak up, Mr. Donald.

[Art Lund]

Yes, music lovers, before you hear the world famous Goodman Sextet, naturally you will want to know a little something about chamber music. Ah, you fools, you. The definitive work on the subject is the 15 volume treatise by Sir Gregory Gluten. Gluty gives us this definition. He said, chamber music, loosely speaking, is a small group of grown men who ought to know better. Of course, the classic definition is that left to posterity by the immortal Wolfgang Amadeus Stunk, who said, you know something? The prime principles of chamber music is positively and absolutely. The most catastrophic is phantasmagard. It's meteor, actually, for people who play chamber music. For people who play chamber music, the reward is very great. Usually dead or alive. But music is popular and also very profitable. To form a band, you just wave an old used commercial and you get run over by 79 musicians. Then to make a million dollars, you call your music Boil and Perk with Johnny mcjerk. And so today, thousands of kids are beating their brains out taking music lessons when they could be out in the fresh air, healthfully driving a beer truck. It used to be in the old days. Practice the piano, Johnny, and when you grow up, everybody will laugh when you sit down. Of course, our chamber music has changed. Our chamber music has changed to a great degree. There used to be a song called she Was Bred in Old Kentucky. Today, no Bread. And now, perhaps it will help you if you just listen to the Benny Goodman Sextet. I see Louis Belson on drums, Johnny White on the vibraphone, and of course, Benny Goodman himself on clarinet, playing all together. We hope they bring us Gershwin's I Got Rhythm.

[Peter Donald]

This evening in our Drive in festival, we'd like to introduce the new singer. He's Art Lund, a college football star and also a former Golden Gloves boxing champ. Art was with us before the war, and then he was a lieutenant in the navy. We think Art Lund's different and we hope you're going to like him as much as we do.

[Bud Collier]

Yes, Benny. And let's listen to Art Lund as he sings one of our new favorites, I don't know enough about.

[Art Lund]

I know a little bit about a lot of things But I don't know enough about you Just when I think you're mine you try a different line and baby, what can I do? I read the latest news, no buttons on my shoes. But baby, I'm confused about you? You get me in a spin? Oh, what a stew. I mean. Cause I don't know enough about you. Jack of all trades, master of none? And isn't it a shame? I'm so sure that you'd be good for me if you'd only play my game? You know I went to school and I'm nobody's fool. That is to say, till I met you. I know a little bit about a lot of things. But I don't know enough about you. I'm confused in a spin. What can I do about you?

[Bud Collier]

And now, here's Benny Goodman's orchestra in the greatest of all the Goodman recordings. Sing Sing.

[Peter Donald]

The Benny Goodman Music Festival has been a rebroadcast presentation of the Armed Forces Radio.

[Art Lund]

SA.