Tag: Washboard Rhythm Boys

One of my all time favorite Washboard Rhythm Kings records contains two winning numbers that I will post today. This scarce deep depression cut is the Rhythm King’s version of “(I’ve Got the Words, I’ve Got the Tune) Hummin’ To Myself”.

This one was also recorded by Ben Selvin and his Orchestra in June of 1932 – as well as versions by Bennie Krueger, Johnny Hamp, Lou Gold, Connie Boswell, and Joe Haymes. Again – the Rhythm Kings give it their special treatment and take a big band pop tune and give it a more flavorful and intimate vibe.

Someone on TikTok recently pointed out to me that the French hip-hop collective known as Chinese Man sampled this record in a 2007 track “I’ve Got that Tune”. The song has been streamed over 38 Million times on Spotify and their music video on YouTube now has an eye-popping 43 Million views:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqjeNSNuNPM
@chinesemanrec

It was then used by Mercedes Benz in an advertising campaign for the Mercedes Classe A Coupé, which amplified its exposure even further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMWJ4YG6ggA

Pretty amazing that a record that only sold 2,167 copies when it was released in 1932 is now probably one of the most listened-to records of the jazz age by modern audiences – through its sampling – albeit in altered form.

Here, then, is the original tune – from a clean copy of the original 78 rpm Victor.

Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on July 6, 1932.
Released as Victor 24065.
Only 2,167 copies sold.

Credits
Taft Jordan – trumpet
Ben Smith – clarinet, alto sax
Carl Wade – tenor sax
Eddie Miles – piano
Steve Washington – banjo, vocals
Ghost Howell – string bass
H. Smith – washboard

The flip side, “Holding My Honey’s Hand” can be found at:
https://youtu.be/TjYrR9ygxtE

One of my all time favorite Washboard Rhythm Kings records contains two winning numbers that I will post today. This scarce deep depression cut is the Rhythm King’s version of “Holding My Honey’s Hand” – a tune composed by Ben Bernie and Al Goering with lyrics by Walter Hirsch.

The song had been extensively recorded in June by big dance bands such as Ben Bernie and his Orchestra, Ben Selvin and his Orchestra, Dick Robertson and his Orchestra, Russ Carlson and his Orchestra, and Waring’s Pennsylvanians.

While these sweeter versions offer lush orchestration and smoove crooner vocals – the Washboard Kings deliver a small combo performance that is at once familiar, authentic, affable, and a delight to listen to. If you’re used to the sweeter versions, this one might hit different – all I can say is, if you love the Kings, you’ll get hooked on this one right away.

Recorded in Camden, New Jersey on July 6, 1932.
Released as Victor 24065.
Only 2,167 copies sold.

Credits
Taft Jordan – trumpet
Ben Smith – clarinet, alto sax
Carl Wade – tenor sax
Eddie Miles – piano
Steve Washington – banjo, vocals
Ghost Howell – string bass
H. Smith – washboard

The flip side, “Hummin’ To Myself” can be heard at:
https://youtu.be/DzWRLetsOlg

Wow – a red hot version of W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues” as you’ve never heard it played by the Washboard Rhythm Kings (here using the name variation “Washboard Rhythm Boys”).

Ghost Howell brings it (as he always does) and the driving energy of the band is apparent from the first few bars. A wild and joyful ride!

This wonderful track is from one of their last recording sessions after a marvelous run of records released in the deep depression years of 1931-1933.

Recorded in New York City on August 19, 1933.
Released as Perfect 15823, Banner 32867, Domino 145, Melotone M-12794, Oriole 2763, Romeo 2136, Vocalion 2688, and Brunswick A-86013.

Credits:
Unknown Artists – trumpet
John Haughton – trombone
Ben Smith, Jerome Carrington (?) – alto sax
Carl Wade – tenor sax
Unknown Artist – p
Unknown Artist – banjo
Ghost Howell, string bass, vocals
Unknown Artist – wb