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Home > Music > Instructional Cassette Catalog > Nostalgia and Popular Music
The Adolescent Years
CBM 884
From the Gay Nineties, through twenty-five years of peace,
and the emergence of Tin Pan Alley. "After the Ball" and "The Bowery"
are among the selections heard.
The Bard of Tin Pan Alley
CBM 945
Biography of the extraordinary songwriter (Irving Berlin) who
recorded our history in song. "Always," "The Girl on the Magazine
Cover," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are among the featured songs.
The Beatles
CBM 65
Interview with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, former
Beatles, about wealth, fame, and world issues.
The Boy Who Became President
CBM 552
Stanley Adams, former president of the American Society of
Composers, Authors, and Publishers, comments on how popular music
reflects the general tempo of life.
A Broadway Melody
CBM 718
Interviews with writers, producers, and actors who talk about
what it takes to succeed on the Broadway stage. Actor Jerry Orbach, actress
Lauren Bacall, and playwright Ernest Thomson are some of the
individuals who contribute.
By Strouse
CBM 560
Strouse, who composed the score of Bye, Bye Birdie, discusses
the importance of a composer's involvement in arranging and
orchestrating melodies.
Close-up on Maurice Chevalier
CBM 320
An entertainer recalls his love affairs with Parisian and
American audiences.
Collecting Folk Songs
CBM 276
In this lecture MacEdward Leach, folk song collector,
describes how he goes about the business of collecting songs from individuals
and communities. Examples from Potter County, Pennsylvania, are heard.
The Cornwall Furnace
CBM 103
Folksinger Oscar Brand sings songs about the Cornwall Furnace
in Pennsylvania and its role in the history of the United States
from 1742 to 1883.
A Couple of Crazy Guys/Three Little Words, Thirteen Little
Letters
CBM 623
Story of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, successful songwriters
who remained vaudeville comedians at heart.
Cowboy Songs
CBM 255
Ex-cowboy and artist Terry Jackson sings cowboy songs and
tells about how riding and roping really were.
The Early Days of Songwriting
CBM 528-531
Survey of popular music written before the founding of the
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Features songs
of Stephen Foster, songs popular during the Civil War, songs by
Henry Clay Work, and songs of the Gay Nineties.
Part 1: 1800-1860.
Part 2: 1860-1880.
Part 3: 1880-1890.
Part 4: 1890-1900.
The Era of F. Scott Fitzgerald
CBM 931, 1184
The zest and spirit of the Roaring Twenties are captured in
this two-part series. Mobsters and prohibition, The Great Gatsby, and the
life of F. Scott Key Fitzgerald are evoke through songs and music of the
Jazz Age.
Focus on Cole Porter
CBM 285
Comprehensive collection of Cole Porter songs, with
commentary tracing his career from 1937.
Focus on Sigmund Romberg
CBM 468
Oscar Hammerstein talks about Romberg's life, plays, and
greatest songs.
Frankie and Johnny
CBM 177
This lecture explores the origins of the Frankie and Johnny
story and song which began with the murder of Allen Brit by Frankie Baker in
1901. It traces the development of the song through Mae West, Guy
Lombardo, and Johnny Cash.
Gerald Marks on Eddie Cantor
CBM 876
Interview with composer and historian of Tin Pan Alley,
Gerald Marks, and his recollections of saucer-eyed entertainer Eddie
Cantor. Songs heard briefly are "Ma," "Makin' Whoopee," and "Ida."
Gershwin
CBM 709
Description of life and musical style of Gershwin,
accompanied by several excerpts of his major works and numerous popular songs.
Give It All You've Got
CBM 625-626
Anecdotes from Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, the team that
wrote theme songs for the television series Bonanza and Mr. Ed, as well
as award-winning songs like "Que Sera, Sera," "Mona Lisa," and "To
Each His Own."
Give Me Yesterday
CBM 1135-1144
A nostalgic look at history through songs and sheet music
covers. Featured are songs about telephones, tragedy, car makers,
famous fliers, railroads and trainmen, Hollywood personalities, and
historical events. Popular songs "Everybody Loves My Baby," "Keep Smilin'," and
"Charlie My Boy" selected to portray a year of 1924. Includes
Rhapsody in Blue performed by George Gershwin.
Part 6 gives an introduction to dramatic ballads
commemorating tragic events, accidents, and disasters.
Part 7 presents dramatic ballads about personal tragedies.
Part 8 presents the history of music publishing in the U.S.
and traces the development of the artistic design of sheet-music covers.
Part 9 tells the story of the history of music printing in
the United States, illustrated with the rare sound recordings of popular music
such as songs by Stephen Foster.
Part 10 is another look on the history of music printing in
the U.S.
Gracie Fields Forever
CBM 868
Through recordings and recorded interviews, the life of this
famous English music hall queen is traced. Beginning as a
professional singer at the age of sixteen, she made her last appearances at age
seventy. Introduced by Stanley Holloway.
The Great American Song Bag
CBM 1146-1152
American history through a sampling of songs. William
Billings's "Chester," George Root's "Battle Cry of Freedom," and "Red
River Valley" are heard.
Happy Songs from a Happy Man
CBM 621
Life and music of Jimmy McHugh, composer of such cheerful
songs as "The Sunny Side of the Street" and "It's a Most Unusual Day."
He Gave Us a Thousand Beautiful Memories
CBM 908
Interview and music by lyricist Sammy Fain, who bridges the
gap from honky tonk to modern ballads. "Secret Love" and "Love Is a
Many Splendored Thing" won him two Academy Awards.
Heroes, Heroines, and Their Horses
CBM 886
What ever happened to Randolph Scott, Gene, Tex, and all the
other cowboy heroes of Hollywood? John Denver and others sing
western songs.
History of a Hit Tune
CBM 298
A piece of nostalgia filled with anecdotes about a
happy-go-lucky period in American show-business history.
How Simple a Tune
CBM 349
Explains how some of our most familiar simple songs were
composed. Includes information on "Taps," "Down by the Old Mill
Stream," "Home on the Range," and several others.
I Hear America Singing
CBM 370
Mike Whorf discusses and plays both folk and composed songs
that have become some of the most popular and well-loved songs in
America.
If My Friends Could See Me Now
CBM 539
Cy Coleman, singer, pianist, conductor, and composer, surveys
the contemporary music scene.
I'll Sing You a Love Song
CBM 1006
Words and music expressing the emotion of love.
Jerome Kern, Man of Melody
CBM 156
Friends discuss Jerome Kern's legendary career.
Labor Ballads
CBM 139
Describes the relationship between labor songs and the early
development of labor unions. These ballads served as a rallying force and
inspired workers to fight for their rights.
The Last of the Giants
CBM 609
Story of Sigmund Romberg, a composer who combined Viennese
style with American idioms in such operettas as Blossom Time, The
Student Prince, and My Romance.
The Legend of Al Jolson
CBM 824
Famous for his black face, white gloves, and bended knee, the
minstrel man became a legend in his own time. Born in 1886, he went
from vaudeville to Broadway. Includes "My Mammy," his memorable
specialty.
Legend of Our Times
CBM 894
Cameos of a variety of artists including Rudy Vallee singing
"The Whiffenpoof Song," and Shirley Temple, Nora Beys, and Maurice
Chevalier singing a medley of well-known favorites.
The Legend of Rudy L. Vallee
CBM 821
Biography of the singing idol, band leader, and actor who
hosted a radio show which had such entertaining personalities as Edgar
Bergen and Sophie Tucker as guests. Includes "I'm Just a Vagabond Lover"
among other songs.
The Legend of Russ Columbo
CBM 833
A crooner of the 1930s who reflects on the slowdown in
musical style after the stock market crash. "Time on My Hands," "Sweet and
Lovely," and "All of Me" are among the songs included.
Let's All Go Down [to] the Strand
CBM 840
Music halls of the Edwardian era were the spirit of England's
light entertainment. They featured variety acts which were backed
by an orchestra. Songs included are "Any Old Iron," "Lilly of
Laguna" (1899), and "Daisy."
The Liverpool Scene
CBM 629
Adrian Henri tells how Liverpool became the pop music capital
of the world in the early 1960s and how, within a few years, this
activity spread to other arts.
Livin' a Ragtime Life
CBM 961
Ragtime, the first truly American form of music, is
described. Eubie Blake plays his "Charleston Rag," written in 1899. Works by Scott
Joplin and Irving Berlin are also performed. Concluded with contemporary
ragtimes by William Bolcom.
Look What I Found in Grandmother's Attic
CBM 1096, 1106
Programs about recordings and songs from the early 1900s.
Includes recordings by Harry Lauder and the Peerless Quartet plus a
Gershwin piano roll.
Look What They've Done to My Song
CBM 953
Insights into the history of classical and popular music.
Includes numerous arrangements of classical music performed by the
popular music orchestras along with their original appearances.
Los Trios
CBM 1027
This is a performance of the group Los Trios Brujos at Carlos
and Mickey Restaurant Bar in El Paso, Texas. Each member of the group
discusses his musical background, instrument, and vocal techniques.
Machito
CBM 1190
Pays tribute to the late Cuban musician Frank "Machito"
Grillo, universally acclaimed as the first musician to blend jazz
with Latin American sound. Includes interviews with Machito, as well as
with those who knew him. (This tape contains material on one side only.)
Makin' Up a Song as I Go Along
CBM 604/CBM 605
Sammy Lerner, lyricist for Hoagy Carmichael and Jay Gorney,
tells of writing the song "Popeye the Sailor Man."
The Man Who Gave the World a Rainbow
CBM 568/CBM 569
Interview with Harold Arlen, composer of the score to The
Wizard of Oz and of songs written for stage and screen. Selections from
his work include "Over the Rainbow," "Stormy Weather," and "Blues in
the Night."
The Man Who Launched 1,000 Hits
CBM 548
Life and songs of Johnny Mercer, who wrote the lyrics of
"Moon River," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "Blues in the Night."
Master of the Medium, the Man Who Found the Silver Lining
CBM 613/CBM 618
Discusses Jerome Kern's career as writer of show tunes.
Includes performances of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" from Roberta and
"Make Believe" and "Ol' Man River" from Showboat.
Memory Bank
CBM 1076-1087, 1092, 1093, 1095
Personalities and historical high points from the 1890s to
the 1960s through song. Touches on such wide-ranging topics as the
Roaring Twenties, World War II, famous TV shows, and big bands.
The Men Who Made the Hits
CBM 533-534
Survey of songwriters and publishers active in the early
twentieth century.
Mr. Edison's Marvelous Memory Machine
CBM 1019, 1020, 1028, 1030-1052, 1054- 1066
A historical look at recordings and recording technology
illustrated with examples by famous personalities. Includes many recordings
made my Thomas Edison.
Mister Music
CBM 620/CBM 622
Career of Jimmy Van Heusen, whose songs, written with
lyricist Johnny Burke, include "Imagination," "Swinging on a Star," and
"Sunday, Monday, or Always."
The Music of Laura Nyro
CBM 60
Laura Nyro is interviewed by John Daly. Her diverse musical
expressions are analyzed by Michael Thomas, Richard Goldstein, and
Patrick O'Conner.
Music of the Range and Trail
CBM 178
The life of the American and Mexican cowboys as pictured in
ballad and song. Two of the songs included are "The Old Chrisholm
Trail," "Get Along Little Dogie."
Music of Smoke and Steel
CBM 176
In this lecture, the song "John Henry," compositions by Ernst
Bacon, and other music of the workers are presented.
Musical Comedy's Golden Years
CBM 993
English musical comedy from the 1890s found its way to the
American stage and was very popular up until World War I. The Shop
Girl is an example.
The Nickelodeon
CBM 839
Coin-operated machines are described in the creations of the
French organ, "The General," the tonaphone, and the juke box-all
this leading to the popular hit parade. Musical selections are played on
several nickelodeons including "The Mighty Wurlitzer."
No Sad Songs for Me
CBM 554
Burton Lane discusses his collaboration with E.Y. Harburg in
writing the Broadway musical Finian's Rainbow and its most famous song,
"How Are Things in Glocca Morra?"
The Old Sweet Songs
CBM 1001
This program highlights several well-known songs such as
"Greensleeves" and "My Old Kentucky Home." Their development
from their origins up to their popularity today are discussed.
Oscar Brand's Songs of '76
CBM 375-376
Brand introduces and sings songs of the American Revolution.
Includes "Bunker Hill," "Come Shake Your Dull Noodles," "The Boston
Massacre," "The Tea Party," and "Granny Wales."
Our Time
CBM 1154-1159, 1161, 1166, 1168, 1169, 1171-1177
A look at historical events through the music of the times.
Covers selected years between 1916 and 1944. The stock mrket crash, World War
I, and Prohibition are some of the subjects covered.
Please Sing Me One More Chorus
CBM 535
Life of prolific composer and music publisher Harry von
Tilzer, writer of "Wait til the Sun Shines, Nellie" and "I Want a Girl Just
like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad."
Protests of Pete Seeger
CBM 57
The folk singer who was branded an outcast and banned from
radio, television, and concert halls discusses the origins of his
radicalism.
Put Another Nickel in
CBM 820
The history of nickelodeons is presented including examples
of a French hand organ, the Wurlitzer orchestra, a motion picture organ,
and "The General" built by Wurlitzer.
Return with Us Now to the Golden Days of Yesteryear
CBM 351-352
Nostalgic look at the music of the 1920s and 1930s, with
performances by Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians, Nat Shilkret, and Paul
Whiteman.
The Roaring Twenties
CBM 853
Describes the development of the radio, Prohibition,
speakeasies, gang violence, sports, and politics. Features popular songs and
instrumental music of the time along with spoken word recordings by
Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.
Rock and Roll
CBM 251
A composer and a disc jockey discuss rock and roll from
musical, psychological, and social points of view.
Rock and Roll and Radio
CBM 1126-1132, 1134
Explores the connection between radio and the development of
rock and roll. The roles of Alan Freed and Dick Clark are covered in
addition to the music of many rock musicians.
Part 1 relates to the early stages of rock music development,
looking at its African-American roots. Features vocal quartets singing
rhythm and blues music that became popular in late 40s and early 50s. Includes
introduction to the series.
Part 2 represents the main trends in popular music of the
mid-50s. Features radio shows presented by disc jockey Robin C.
Part 3 highlights popular music of the 50s.
Part 4 features several important premieres of rock and roll
music on the Alan Freed's radio shows in 1956.
Part 5 reflects on Afro-American contribution to rock and
roll music style. Features popular music recordings made by black
musicians for the Savoy Record Company.
Part 6 features popular musical groups and singers of the
1950s and 1960s.
Part 7 introduces the popular shows presenting rock and roll
music to the TV audience, such as Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
Part 8 gives an insight into the life and music of Chuck
Berry.
Rock 'n Roll
CBM 729
Interviews with singers, songwriters, disc jockeys, and film
producers. Discusses the history of rock, its development as an art
form, and its influence on a whole generation. Disc jockey Surf Waldwell
and singers Patti Smith and Bob Seger are among the participants.
The Sentimental Gentleman
CBM 549
Interview with Mitchell Parish, a lyricist who teamed with
composers Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, and Sammy Fain, and whose
collaboration with Carmichael produced the hit "Stardust."
Sessions with Jesse Boggs
CBM 734
Singer-songwriter Jesse Boggs pokes fun at American society
by recreating a recording session. The musicians, intent upon
making a hit album, reduce music to its most salable elements: music and
satire.
Seven Shows to Rome
CBM 557
Anecdotes told by Harold Rome, composer of such Broadway
musicals as Pins and Needles, Call Me Mister, and Wish You Were Here.
Sing Me Some Simple Songs
CBM 617
Survey of all-time favorite popular songs, using popularity
rankings from Billboard magazine. Includes legendary performances of
"Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Stardust," "Tenderly," "White Christmas," and
"Deep Purple."
Song Book of the Old World
CBM 363
Mike Whorf plays and discusses the origin of traditional songs.
Songs My Father Taught Me
CBM 915
Sentimental and ribald turn-of-the-century songs from the
time music was homemade around the parlor piano.
Songs of Square Dancing
CBM 407
Jean Ritchie visits her home in Viper, Kentucky. She talks
with her mother and other relatives about the evolution of the play
party from the square dance.
The Sound of Patriotism
CBM 112
These speeches and songs of 1916-1917 capture the spirit of
America as it entered World War I.
The Splendid Americans
CBM 354
This discussion of patriotic music in America includes
background information on the poets and texts of familiar national
songs.
The Stage Door Canteen, 1941-1945
CBM 805
The Stage Door Canteen in Hollywood was run by stars from
competing movie studios for the service men of World War II. Musical
selections include Carmen Miranda singing "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and
Yvonne De Carlo singing "I'll Be Thinking about You."
Star Spangled Harmony
CBM 1015
Our United States history in music. "Yankee Doodle," "What a
Country," "America the Beautiful," and our folk song heritage which
includes "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes."
Styles of Folk Songs
CBM 339
Tristram Coffin and John Greenway trace the development of
the folk song in America from its beginnings in England to modern
times. Presented are Appalachian Mountain, union, and occupational
songs.
Suffragette
CBM 927
History of the women's movement recorded in words and songs.
A Tale of a Tune
CBM 189
That Crazy American Music
CBM 1108-1115, 1117, 1120-1125
Historical review of American music from its beginning with
the Pilgrims. Programs cover the westward movement, Civil War, and the Gay
Nineties.
Part 1 presents the years following the Civil War (from 1865
to 1889).
Part 2 unfolds the major historical and artistic scenery for
American music development from 1812 to 1840.
Part 3 presents mostly popular songs and dances of 1880s.
Among examples are "Choosing a Husband," "Since My Daughter Plays
on Typewriter," and "Boston Deep Waltz." Features early sound
recordings made with phonograph during the 1880s.
Part 4 presents American music created during the Civil War.
Part 5 recreates the sounds and images of the Civil War as
reflected in music of that time.
Part 6 features performances and musical works of cornetist
and composer Herbert Clarke.
Part 7 presents popular salon music written by American and
European composers and played in America during 1890s.
Part 8 turns again to historical and artistic atmosphere of
the Gay Nineties.
Part 9 is dedicated to the life and music of J.P. Sousa.
Part 10 returns to the battles, sounds, and images of the
Civil War.
Part 11 presents songs and music associated with both of the
parties fighting on the Civil War battlefields.
Part 12 introduces the audience to the world of American
country and folk music.
Part 13 presents an early American music as it was originated
by the Pilgrims.
Part 14 features an American music of the time of Revolution.
Part 15 is another installment featuring early American
popular music ranging from fiddle tunes and folk ballads to composed
popular instrumental music and popular songs.
There Are Some Days You Don't Forget
CBM 1179-1180
Reminiscences of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and the
"Great Invasion" as well as the music of Beethoven, Bizet, and
Tchaikovsky.
There Goes That Song Again
CBM 558
Songs by Jule Styne, arranger and composer who collaborated
with lyricist Sammy Cahn to write such hits as "I've Heard That
Song Before" and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow."
They Don't Write 'em like That Anymore
CBM 342
Gerald Marks, composer of the popular song "All of Me,"
reminisces about the songs written by Irving Berlin, Victor Herbert, and
others.
This Land Is Your Land
CBM 216
This lecture describes the evolution of folk songs in America
as the country grew. Some songs included are "This Land Is Your
Land," "Drill, You Tarriers, Drill," and "Down Derry, Derry."
Those Vintage Cylinder Years
CBM 837
Entertaining selections by a military band, singer Edward
Favor (1908), and a speech by Teddy Roosevelt illustrate the sound-
producing cylinders of Thomas Edison.
Till We Meet Again
CBM 1009
World War I years brought war songs by the carload from Tin
Pan Alley and abroad. Features the ballad style in "Till We Meet Again"
sung by Hart and James, John McCormack singing "Keep the Home Fires
Burning," and a 1918 version of "Oh How I Hate to Get Up in
the Morning" sung by Arthur Fields.
Tin Pan Alley's Big Brother
CBM 532
History of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and
Publishers.
Tito Puente, the King of Salsa
CBM 1026
Biography and music of the popular Latin musician.
Tom, Please Play It One More Time
CBM 842
Background of personalities who performed on the early
cylinders. "In a Little Red Schoolhouse" sung by Jones and Hare (1922) and
"Sister Suzie" (1917) are heard.
The Topical Folk Song
CBM 1
Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, and Buffy Sainte-Marie
sing and discuss topical folk songs such as "I Ain't Marchin'
Anymore."
A Tribute to Mr. America
CBM 1011-1012
Biography of the songwriter who gave us a wonderful legacy of
the spirit of America with such songs as "God Bless America" and
"Alexander's Ragtime Band."
Voluptuous Variety
CBM 775
Gillian Anderson, director of the Colonial Singers and
Players, produced this unique sampler of music composed or performed between
1850 and 1900 in the United States.
War Songs
CBM 234
Discusses American military songs and their origins.
Welcome to Vaudeville
CBM 834
This great form of family entertainment, popular between
1890-1920, served about 15 percent of the U.S. population weekly until
sound movies drained off the audiences. Two of the featured performers are
singer Jane Green and instrumentalist Fred Vaness.
We're Still Singing "I'll See You in My Dreams"
CBM 575/CBM 576
Songs written by lyricist Gus Kahn and his many
collaborators, with discussion of Kahn's film biography.
"What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?"
CBM 869-870
Songs illustrating how people coped with the World War II
years including "Sentimental Journey," "I'll Be Seeing You," and
"They're Either Too Young or Too Old."
When Vaudeville Was King
CBM 890
Overview of the fifty years of vaudeville (1880-1930),
concentrating on the people who created it. Pre-vaudeville contributions
include Webber and Fields and Harrigan and Hart. "On the Banks of the
Wabash" and "The Bowery" are heard among the musical selections.
When Walter Donaldson Ruled the Roost
CBM 608
Gerald Marks tells anecdotes about fellow composer Walter
Donaldson, whose songs include "Carolina in the Morning," "Making
Whoopee," "Back Home in Tennessee," and "My Mammy."
The Whole World Is Singing My Song
CBM 616
Songwriter Vic Mizzy tells anecdotes about his contemporaries
and collaborators and gives opinions about current popular music.
Will the Lady in the Front Row Please Remove Her Hat?
CBM 843-844
Recollections of the English Victorian era music halls.
Performances by Billy Danvers, George Robey, and others singing comic songs,
drinking songs, and sing-a-longs.
Woody Guthrie Remembered
CBM 44, 46
Interviews with friends of Woody Guthrie. Includes songs by
Cisco Houston, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie himself, and some
children's songs.
Working Songs of America
CBM 245
Introduction to the music of working people-miners, oil-field
workers, and ditch diggers. Includes folk songs, ballads, and orchestral
piece "Prairie" by Leo Sowerby.
You're a Builder Upper
CBM 553
E.Y. [Edgar Yipsel] Harburg, lyricist of Finian's Rainbow and
The Wizard of Oz, relates America's history as a "melting pot" to
the songwriting scene.
You're Not So Easy to Forget
CBM 546
Story of the long career of Ben Oakland, who began playing
classical music at an early age and went on to success as a vaudeville
entertainer and as a songwriter for the Ziegfeld Follies and for Broadway
musicals.
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Posted on 2006-05-30