Show 39: Labor Day

2012 is only the second year since 1966 that Jerry Lewis has not hosted the annual Labor Day MDA Telethon, marking the end of an era. Treasure Ivan is aware that many people see Jerry Lewis as a symbol of Labor Day and so we open this show with two of his records for Capitol Records made in the 1950’s. First we hear the sing-song recording of “I’m a Little Busybody” followed by a story record, “The Nagger,” in which Jerry convincingly portrays an obnoxious child.

I’m a Little Busybody
Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis, The Nagger

Jerry Lewis, The Nagger

The Nagger
Jerry Lewis

Gene Kelly would have turned 100 years old on August 23rd. He sang and danced his way through many MGM musicals, the most memorable being “Singin’ in the Rain.” Gene also made several records for children. We present Gene’s version of “The King Who Wouldn’t Dance” which includes “The Worrier Song.” It seemed a logical step to follow this with “The Worrier King” by Warren Zevon, and so we did.

Singin’ in the Rain
Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly

The King Who Couldn’t Dance
Gene Kelly

Worrier King
Warren Zevon

The great children’s author Margaret Wise Brown penned many wonderful books including “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny.” “Shhhh…Bang” is an unusual departure for her, a tale which resolves itself with a slamming door, a gunshot and a firecracker. She also called it a “Whispery Book” It is the only children’s record I know of which is narrated by news veteran Frank Gallop.

SHHHhhh…BANG!
Frank Gallop

“Banjo Eyes” was a popular nickname for song-and-dance man Eddie Cantor. His quirky style of comedy brought smiles to many people during the Great Depression. We hear a song of his from that time followed by a tale for youngsters “Tweedle De Dee and Tweedle De Dum” from the early 1950’s. Like many works in the Treasure Ivan Vault these records are not played to endorse the times they reflect, but to acknowledge that they existed.

Oh, Is She Dumb
Eddie Cantor

Eddie Cantor

Eddie Cantor

Tweedle De Dee & Tweedle De Dum
Eddie Cantor

Ling Ting Tong
The Five Keys

This entry was posted in Shows. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.