The Cotton Club Parade of 1932 saw Cab Calloway and his Orchestra performing a sunny tune by Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen called “I’ve Got The World On A String” at Harlem’s famous Cotton Club. Calloway recorded it for Brunswick that fall and it became a hit record for the band.
While Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong both recorded the tune the following year, the tune got a big break when Frank Sinatra revived it in 1953 with his successful version for Capitol records.
Calloway’s version begins with Cab belting it out primarily accompanied by piano, bass, and rhythm guitar. A lone trumpet takes over the melodic chores at 1:20 followed by a second trumpet at 1:55. Later, Cab scats a chorus and takes us to the outro.
Songwriter Arlen later wrote the songs in the 1939 blockbuster film production of “Wizard of Oz”, including the iconic Judy Garland standard “Over The Rainbow”.
Recorded in New York City on November 9, 1932.
Released as Brunswick 6424.
Credits:
Cab Calloway – director, vocals
Edwin Swayzee, Lammar Wright, Doc Cheatham – trumpet
De Priest Wheeler, Harry White – trombone
Arville Harris. Eddie Barefield – clarinet, alto sax
Andrew Brown – bass clarinet, tenor sax
Walter Thomas – alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, flute
Bennie Payne – piano
Morris White – guitar
Al Morgan – string bass
Leroy Maxey – drums
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