1939: Charlie Kunz playing "South Of The Border" (Medley D29)

[@stewartgellatly8073]

Charlie Kunz was something else. He had a style which was unique. And he had great tunes to play which are all forgotten today. Great tunes are strokes of genius and, like great paintings, should be preserved otherwise they disappear forever.

[@littleshoemaker]

Thanks for uploading this. The Kunz recording of “South of the Border” was used in a BBC Omnibus documentary about the writer Jack Rosenthal. Despite knowing the song, I didn’t recognise it. Thankfully someone was able to identify the tune for me!

[@barrygordon5323]

It doesn't take long to see kunz was a great player, without being a showoff ,great touch,and wonderful ways of playing tenths in the bass,and always musical.

[@Linhombre69]

I love his distinctive, relaxed playing style - timeless!. Thanks for posting this selection, and for including so many shots of Charlie "at work".

[@wordsmith52]

thanks for listening - best wishes!

[@williamfox5685]

I enjoy this style of piano playing. It is a style so fitting from that era. Thanks for posting it.

[@wordsmith52]

William Fox Thanks - Glad you liked it William!

[@andrewjohnthorpe1462]

Lovely. Takes back to my prep school(short grey trousers) days listening to Charlie Kunz on a portable gramophone in the mid sixties. Much nicer than school homework and I still enjoy Charlie on you tube and have many 10 inch 78's at home. Business suit and the internet to order!

[@wordsmith52]

Andrew John Thorpe I don't think Mr Kunz and the memories he invokes will easily leave us! (I certainly recall the smart school uniforms, having to wear cap and scarf at all times when in the street and teachers wearing academic gowns and almost seeming to fly along corridors...)

[@Avatar1472]

wordsmith52 Charlie Kunz' records are some of my treasured possessions!

[@wordsmith52]

Avtar Singh Very glad to hear that...best wishes.

[@steinwaygrande3971]

I grew up listening to him and always wished I could play like him or as close as possible to his style of playing. I am 78 just in case anyone was wondering.

[@wordsmith52]

+Steinwaygrande Thanks - I think many others also shared your desire but at least we can still listen.

[@ed9709]

It is 2018 now. I hope you are well and listening.

[@BuckshotLaFunke1]

The right age for 78 rpm!

[@lucaberardi4557]

My father, he was born 1917, was always listening to Charlie Kunz when I was a child

[@alskndlaskndal]

So nostalgic and I wasn't even born then. Makes me feel like I'm at Disneyland.

[@brentg3707]

wonderful style

[@janettewalker3991]

Great selection, Starry Night was a great one for me.

[@eileengrieve1076]

Janette Walker t

[@andynew2]

My late Uncle Ken played this style and introduced me to the left hand split tenth that is so much a part of Charlie's style. Just beautiful.

[@terrywaite6756]

This brings back many childhood memories . I am 81 and remember him well but only today I was reading that back in the war years it was rumoured he was passing messages to the enemy through his music! These rumours were proved to be baseless but some people demanded he be shot or sent to the tower! I also liked Victor Sylvester and his strict tempo. Many good memories. TW

[@wordsmith52]

I must say that I had not heard that story, but some people were getting a bit paronoid during those most dangerous and difficult years. I think in any case thay most spies had been "turned" by MI5 so I thinl we had the upper hsnd anyway. He was American, of course, so I'm not sure hoe he would have stood if he had been found guilty.

[@terrywaite6756]

Yes, there were many rumours one of the most fanciful was that German paratroopers were about to invade dressed as Nuns! I think the British Public would have been totally amazed to confront such a gathering. Clearly the attack could have been repelled by the Salvation Army! TW

[@trevorfleisig9056]

Hi Terry , me to although i am only 73

[@trevorfleisig9056]

@@terrywaite6756 also Billy Mayerl

[@IVORIESMAN]

Great medley Steve, I hadn't realised some of the tunes dated back this far - 'And The Angels Sing' has always been a Herb Alpert number for me, from his 'Going Places' LP in the 60s. Also, thought I heard a glimpse of 'Story of a Starry Night' in there as well...

[@karmaflage6891]

Excellent.................

[@wordsmith52]

+Karma Flage Hello and thanks!

[@karmaflage6891]

have to say this is awesome................

[@warptoad5168]

I prefer Mrs Mills but it's only taste.

[@BrianJohnson-eu2on]

Charlie.could.swingwhen.needed.