Working at the Kansas City Art Institute as a student in the late 1980s, my supervisor in the photo-video checkout area was Rev. Dwight Frizzell, who also employed a delightful curmugeon named Morris Martin. Reverend Dwight was constantly playing jazz music while we worked and Martin saw that I was interested in learning more. He made me a mix tape of Fletcher Henderson and Lucky Millinder that he recorded from his vinyl collection.
This tune was one that I really loved from that tape. Fast forward 30 years and I have this very nice Canadian Decca pressing on 78 rpm.
While Millinder got his start in the world of jazz and swing leading the Mills Blue Rhythm Band in the 1930s, his own orchestra that started in 1941 leaned more into rhythm and blues. Here we have an expressive anthem written by Millinder and pianist Bill Doggett – joyfully sung by the up-and-coming gospel singer Rosetta Tharpe.
Recorded in New York City on September 5, 1941.
Released in the U.S. as Decca 18386.
Here we have the Canadian issue – Decca 10030.
Credits:
Lucky Millinder, vocals, director
William Scott, Archie Johnson, Nelson Bryant – trumpet
George Stevenson, Floyd Brady, Edward Morant – trombone
Ted Barnett, George James – alto sax
Stafford Simon – tenor sax
Ernest Purce – baritone sax
Bill Doggett – piano
Trevor Bacon, Rosetta Tharpe – guitar, vocals
Abe Bolar – bass
Panama Francis – drums