Film Clip: Hawaiian War Chant - Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra, 1942 - M-G-M

With sound engineered and synced by yours truly, here's probably the best sounding and looking clip online of "Hawaiian War Chant" by Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra with 24 year old Buddy Rich from the 1942 M-G-M musical motion picture "Ship Ahoy".
R.I.P.
Bernard "Buddy" Rich
September 30, 1917
April 2, 1987
Dig.....

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

Nothing more enjoyable in drumming than whacking the floor tom. I know Buddy had the time of his life playing this music. May God rest his soul.

[@GMacIII-wf3nn]

So Buddy plays a kick ass solo and cameraman couldn't take his eyes off the dancing ladies! WTF!😮

[@sulladrum]

As good as this is, the single stroke roll at the end is amazing. He had incredible stamina and speed right up to the end of his life

[@chrismorfas7515]

Makes ya think our parents and grandparents had a point about their music being pretty good, too.

[@jamespfitz]

It was GREAT!

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

And their movies!

[@jamescoulton5138]

@@Blaqjaqshellaq d

[@jamescoulton5138]

@@Blaqjaqshellaq ?,

[@jamescoulton5138]

N You You n

[@phillipecook3227]

It'd be nice to see these suits back in fashion.

[@rayszymarek2920]

Proof of the Pudding. The Word is SUSTAIN This sounds just as great as it did back in l942. You have Ziggy Elman on trumpet and the GREATEST DRUMMER WHO EVER DREW BREATH on a set of drums Buddy Rich. When something this great is recorded it SUSTAINS lasts forever and ever. Great Talents in that Tommy Dorsey Band.

[@nealsausen4651]

@todd long ;Ahhh...No he wasn’t! No he’s not! But Gene was great in his own way, However no one and I mean no one ever outplayed Buddy!

[@oldsrocket8841]

@todd long Yeah right and a Ford Pinto was better than Porsche.

[@irwinfletcher8895]

Thank you for identifying that trumpet player for us.. He was spot on!

[@waltandrus6477]

Fantastic job! I was vocalist with the TDO with Buddy Morrow leading from 1988-2004! We went through several drummers! "War Chant" was always a crowd pleaser!

[@waltandrus6477]

Thanks again for the post! You can have great horn players, bass, piano, guitar, vocalists, etc.... if the drummer doesn't have it going on it can be a TRAIN WRECK! BEEN THERE! Check out Dick Cully, Michael Berkowitz, Bob Stone, Paul Francis, Duffy Jackson, Artt Frank, Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich, Tom Kasperek, Louis Bellson, Gene Krupa, Irv Cottler, Ronnie Zito, Mike Nigro, Ed Shaughnessy and so many others (no particular order) who LISTEN and to intereact and enhance the soloist or vocalist

[@cre8lite11]

Geez my mom was a dancer in vaudeville and she worked with the Dorsey brothers but I think it was in the 40s. I love this one too. In her scrapbook she had a picture of one of them. Unfortunately I’ve not been able to see it since she died in 1979 as my sister stole everything. I can’t remember whether it was Tommy or Jimmy, she also would tell stories. Maybe the picture is in the book that was written about her which I have not seen yet, by Eleni Sikelianos

[@moldyoldie7888]

According to a family friend, when Ziggy lived in a NYC apartment during the 1940s, people would stand outside listening to Ziggy practice and applaud him.

[@esmeephillips5888]

So sad that Ziggy lost his chops, had to sell used cars for a living and died broke, an alimony slave, aged 54.

[@moldyoldie7888]

@@esmeephillips5888 I agree.

[@jodywilke4642]

I wish I could've been there, to listen. What a bunch of talented musicians!

[@kavic1234]

Beats the crap out of what they call music today

[@styldsteel1]

Dorsey and Rich are complete musical animals.

[@RoryVanucchi]

Don forget Ziggy Elman

[@CaryCotterman]

@@RoryVanucchi Elman was a trumpet god! Overwhelming technique and power!

[@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807]

Absolute Beasts

[@bobbysands6923]

Out of the thousands of recorded BR drum solos, this one and "Diabolus" are my two favorites. The sound of this one is incredible.

[@jckhammer]

bobby sands this shows how he is far more than just a technical machine. He swings this like no one else . I'm a fan of krupa and sing sing but this proves the superiority. Matched grip for him too

[@rlliston1648]

Hey Bobby, thanks for the heads up on Buddy's Diabolus solo. It really shows off his technique, and as Jckhammer points out, his solo fits the song perfectly!

[@joholland1892]

I played trombone for 9 years and still get excited when I hear them being played!

[@heidipetrick918]

They had a lot of talent and energy!

[@thomasholden3820]

Buddy Rich, card carrying drum T-Rex, on a set of Niles, Illinois made Slingerlands. I think they might have been on the brink of bursting into flames on this one! Great recording. Tommy Dorsey: great band leader and the best lead trombone in the business.

[@edgarcook9607]

No, that would be a Black man, J.C.Higginbotham: Glenn and Tommy looked up to him.

[@brianchisnell1548]

These are early '40s Slingerland Radio Kings made in Chicago. After endorsing many makes, he played a similar set the last few years of his life. Slingerland built a factory in Niles later.

[@jodywilke4642]

This is SO awesome, to watch and listen to--these musicians were at the top of their game, and the music of this generation was the best! Love it!😁

[@donbenham1]

I don't know how they miked this, but Buddy's sheer power is astounding!

[@ianblakesley3349]

Probably just with one overhead boom; no clip-ons or individual directionals for these two masters!

[@sticktrik]

Yup! A couple of ceiling mic’s & Buddy was hitting those drums hard so he could cut through the brass section!!!

[@bombocropper5142]

Those singles interspersed with the crashes remain in perfect rhythm, it's one thing to play fast but to maintain precise pulse within the framework of the music was one facet of Buddy's undeniable genius. His ensemble work was every bit as incredible as his solos.

[@jckhammer]

@@bombocropper5142 sounds unreal and is performed unreal, altho it appears dubbed seeing as this is a movie. If you watch his roll at the end the crashes dont match up at all with what he is playing but not surprising being that this is a movie and a soundtrack

[@michaelgaley9532]

Before I shipped out to Vietnam my Brother and I saw Buddy Rich at the Lodge of the 4 seasons . My brother asked for Buddy's autograph and he did on a drum head that to this day brother has it on a bedroom wall.

[@karlruffing4237]

You hear a lot of people say that Buddy was not very cooperative, but I would have to disagree. He could be as gentle as a kitten, at some times.

[@brucekuehn4031]

Just a quick history reminder (for those who weren’t paying attention in class or never learned it) - The American Pacific naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was surprise attacked by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy". This film was released in May of 1942 so we were really at war although this was more of a musical-comedy starring Eleanor Powell and Red Skelton. The song actually goes way back and was a love song in the Hawaiian language. The original melody and lyrics were written in the 1860s by Prince Leleiohoku. Tommy Dorsey first recorded his version of Hawaiian War Chant in November of 1938.

[@Joshster-si6ov]

And instead of Buddy rich on the drums, we had one of Glenn Miller’s drummer, Moe Purtill :)

[@moldyoldie7888]

@@Joshster-si6ov You're referring to the 78, right? When Mel Torme asked Buddy to rate the drummers of that era, he said Moe was adequate.

[@moldyoldie7888]

This War Chant was originally a Love Song? Really? Boy, those Hawaiians knew how to look at marriage in the proper perspective. Kidding, a little.

[@Joshster-si6ov]

@@moldyoldie7888 Yeah I'm referring to the 78 recording. It wasn't as fast paced as this one but it still was pretty nice.

[@moldyoldie7888]

@@Joshster-si6ov I'll take Buddy's versions any day. Sorry, Mo, but, give credit where credit's due.

[@randysteele6741]

How much talent can you put on one stage at the same time. The Big Band era was incredible. What a sound!

[@mangelwurzel]

The lead hula dancer is Eleanor Powell, hoofer extraordinaire.

[@gmac6503]

WOW! This is definitely the best sound of this song

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Yeah, best live version imo. The brass sounds awesome and the drums sound clear and powerful af. It's a shame this isn't on Spotify, I don't think any later versions sound nearly as good as this one.

[@gmac6503]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 For sure! I ended up buying the movie in VHS format and transferred it to a flash drive last year. One of my favorites!

[@elephantintheroom5678]

I just showed this to my 13 year old son, and he was mesmerised! And I'd dragged him away from "Horrible Histories" on TV to watch it, too.

[@Rob_Kates]

I love the WWII era for big band jazz, the best!

[@romanstar7550]

as great as the music is miss powells million dollar smile at the end makes this even greater , just a great 4 minutes in time !

[@NoalFarstrider]

This being live is the most musician thing you can musician, musically speaking, musically said....

[@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807]

Musically agree

[@peteboldiesbutgoodies]

eleanor powell is wonderful, love her so much.

[@BobCollinsSTEPcoach]

She always has that sly smile, as if she is saying, “It’s all just in fun, don’t you know?”

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@BobCollinsSTEPcoach Buddy Rich did a sensational double act (with sticks and drums) with Ellie on 'I'll Take Tallulah' from this movie. Her appearance at the end of this number returns the compliment.

[@hectorpuente6053]

Buddy Rich. Top ten Drummer.

[@T.C.Clarien]

Top 3 🥁🥁🥁

[@darrellmfume4020]

god damn Ziggy Elman, doing that Trumpet Solo. he stole the show to me. Ziggy died young; he was only in his mid 50's.

[@paulallison3068]

Awesome! In my humble opinion Ziggy was the master! Add the great Buddy Rich and Eleanor Powell ... blows my socks off!!

[@Trombonology]

Terrific sound! The Dorsey band is certainly the highlight of this film; the "I'll Take Tallulah" number with Eleanor Powell and also featuring Buddy is a great spot, too.

[@SwingMan1938]

Yeah, I sat through the entire film for the first time when a friend sent me the "Ship Ahoy" DVD a few weeks ago. Was really looking forward to some good Skelton, but I didn't see or hear it there, unfortunately. ;)

[@scottbaker3221]

Also see Elanor's number dancing wih her dog 'Buttons' in 'Lady Be Good'

[@thomasmontoya302]

Amazing job sir! Many generations shall enjoy this masterpiece as it was meant to be, seen and heard thanks to you!

[@LastTrainToClarkson]

Best video on KZbin from 1942. Sound and vision both great!

[@mitchflorida]

Buddy Rich went through two or three drum sets every year. They couldn't take the hard beating.😀

[@ScottMartinD]

Love that Timpani grip he uses while playing those Jungle beats on the toms.

[@RoryVanucchi]

Ziggy Elman a beast. Sad ending for him like so many. Buddy and Tommy legends of course

[@moldyoldie7888]

Are you related to the late musician Larry Vanucci of the SF Bay area?

[@RoryVanucchi]

@@moldyoldie7888 I've got a cousin Larry but he's a surveyor in the Catskills of NY. Thanks.

[@moldyoldie7888]

@@RoryVanucchi Different guy, thanks for your answer.

[@scottbaker3221]

Great music, also with the fantastic Ziggy Elman on the horn solos!

[@rhonddanunes]

Sheesh the 17 people that missed the like icon.

[@trevorfleisig9056]

absolutely brilliant. I have never heard so clear and alive before almost as if were 2021

[@tommeyers188]

Absolutely amazing! Anyone who doesn't take the time to view this musical history is missing the boat as the likes of this music was once in a lifetime. TD, Buddy Rich, Ziggy and the rest of the band pull off what well may be the greatest performance of music in an American motion picture and this is to open the film! Ship Ahoy I'll say! And thanks SwingMan for an incredible job on the sound and look of this clip! Proud to say TD and his brother Jimmy appeared, prior to their breakup, at Ben Marden's Riviera Nightclub atop the Jersey Palisades in my hometown of Fort Lee, NJ in the 1930s.and another singer of note who appeared in this film also later performed at the Riviera Nightclub in the 1940's..a local boy made good..Sinatra!

[@jakedriggers5987]

This song could start a war it's so good.

[@carolpayette854]

Mom loved this!! She danced the Hula to this for soldiers leaving for WWII

[@scotnick59]

I heart Tommy!

[@jensg367]

Great. Thank you for posting this engineered video!

[@judith_thordarson]

Thank you for sharing! I have been watching this video at least twice a day since I stumbled upon it. It makes me so HAPPY!

[@SwingMan1938]

You're very welcome, Judith - I'm very glad you enjoy this one so much. :)

[@CaryCotterman]

Best version, much more energy than their studio recording. Rich and Elman are tremendous, along with the sax soloist whose name unfortunately I don't know. Dorsey too. Wow, this just explodes off the screen and out of the speakers! That opening shot of Rich and his drum set gliding backwards up the steps is great.

[@CaryCotterman]

Have since researched and found out that the tenor sax soloist is the great Don Lodice.

[@acfinney1]

Yes. Tenor soloist with Dorsey.

[@moldyoldie7888]

The drummer on the 78 was Maurice Purtill.

[@donbenham1]

What a treat! Best sound obviously I've ever heard on this! Ziggy Elman! Oh man!! I can barely stand it! Thank you!!

[@SwingMan1938]

You bet, Don - it was only thanks to a friend who sent me a DVD that I was able to have a nice, clear print to work with. Yeah, Ziggy's sheer power really comes out here.....

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@SwingMan1938 As always, now that 95% of movie viewings are on home screens, we must make an effort to imagine how this came across in a huge, dark theater with a giant picture and powerful sound. Talkies were only 13 years old- and had already gone from Jolson serenading his mammy to this. Never hotter, and with Ellie Powell popping up as a bonus.

[@saltydawg7078]

THE BEST OF ANY AND ALL

[@williamwhiting6285]

Buddy's pure speed was incredible.

[@chapeltibet4551]

Wow! I didn't expect this! I've n'er heard this performance before. Well done indeed.

[@rlliston1648]

Is it just me, or did you see Buddy's ride cymbal fall over to the right at 1:63 where it remained until 3:14 when it was removed from the bass drum for the rest of the song? Also, during his great single stroke rolls at the end, there are a few cymbal crashes from that same cymbal--the one that was not there! Darn fine (magic?) drumming and some tremendous editing!! Go Buddy! He looks and plays great, even at 24!

[@thomaslgrice]

I think quite a bit of this was dubbed to a studio track. I imagine the cymbal was taken down so we could see Buddy's hands for the interplay between him and Ziggy. Liberties taken for the film. Like on his "flight" up to the drum riser he only has one floor tom. The second one may not have fit on the crane platform. It's not superimposed in post as you can see the trumpets leaning to stay out of the way.

[@obie2082]

That's incredible speed... Buddy did it again just before he passed away.... it was a much slower tempo... this is really impressive.

[@faruzsyed]

i was going to write something similar when i saw your post. You said it all.Thanks

[@cliffedward]

Something we can never fault the US on is the amount of talent that has come from this once great country and has inspired thousands. A melting pot of many cultures.

[@dday9257]

cliffedward This country is still great there is no once was about it boy.

[@franklettering]

Cliff....... As an outsider........you couldn't be more correct.!!!!!! .......unfortunately , the wealthiest most powerful country on the planet that's produced some of the world's greatest literature art and science, and even a few decent politicians .You've chosen a petulant egotistical self-serving moron as your chief Spokesman and representative . .....as an American you must at some stage ask yourself, 'how the phugg has this happened' .?

[@franklettering]

@Bran Evans. I must disagree with your criteria of greatness, And, your inference that being classified as apolitical in a political arena is in anyway an advantage , or even classified as positive attribute. .....It seems rather anomalous having an opinion that assumes that EVERY action and causation of Everyone in the society within which we reside is not political.

[@cl3mb0t]

The kids are alright. Their cynicism will help them get through the fog of stupidity. Like people getting news from the equivalent of tabloids and thinking it's somehow better than the MSM. ;)

[@cl3mb0t]

Racism didn't magically end in 1967 or in 1865. America has made a lot of progress, but has a long way to go yet. The richest nation in the world having a higher minority population with money doesn't make up for the continued institutional racism or overall poverty, and it doesn't explain why 12% of the population make up 25% of police shootings. BLM is hardly an organized front. If you try to donate money to "black lives matter" you'll find something like 200 different organizations/charities that claim affiliation. They're a selection of individual groups that all share the same cause. There is no national BLM leader, or head of BLM, or director of BLM marketing. Saying "BLM has to pay" and making spurious claims about celebrity donations is tabloid news BS. That type of tripe belongs in a Candace Owens video. Most BLM money at those local organizations has not gone towards making firebombs, funding Democratic SuperPACs, or planning suburban invasions. Most hasn't magically disappeared. Its gone towards one of the aforementioned charities, to medical supplies, emergency support of its members, and even legal/bail fees.

[@mickpowell2529]

Absolutely brilliant.....

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Fond memories mid-1960's. 4 family members dancing 💃 in a conga line inside a little house 🏠, two of us under 5 in VaBch.

[@D.N..]

WOW 😳. This is great !

[@stevemohammed4518]

Heard this song today, added to my playlist immediately!

[@Firebrand55]

Great work!

[@vladislavsheer7094]

A stunning, dazzling Celebration!!!

[@claudpiro6469]

Grande Dorsey. Bravo

[@pedroluispetrillo6289]

Fantastic! Very Good music!

[@billkopp9486]

THANKS!!

[@michaelsanchez7848]

I stumbled on this due to a conversation with a friend of mine (my old band teacher) about how John Bonham looked up to Rich. I thought to myself "who could THE John Bonham possibly look up to"? well after this, I can see why he looked up to Rich. I will always think of Bonham as my favorite drummer but Neil and Ringo will have to move down a slot. they are all extremely talented in their own ways but my god Buddy is destroying it!!! Edit: also was blown away by Ziggy, the lungs it must take to do that are incredible. His lips must also be absolutely destroyed afterwords.

[@larrysmith6797]

Bonham and Ringo mentioned in the same post as Buddy Rich? You're not my kind of people.

[@michaelsanchez7848]

@@larrysmith6797 how so? I would like to understand your reasoning.

[@jckhammer]

michael sanchez ignore him. I'm a drummer myself and most good drummers see what other drummers do in their genre . The pro's always cite many influences and Ringo or keith moon are mentioned . That's why they are pro's and understand this. Posters like this superstar are simply average . Besides you mentioned favorite and not the best . In any case yea, when it comes to Buddy Rich there just isnt another like him. I'm I influenced by several, I used to be into neil but got over him as I hit my mid twenties and then got into Stewart Copeland big time and still am to a degree. Really love bill Buford and many others but in the end I always come back to watch and listen to buddy rich and realize this guy was tops

[@acfinney1]

@@michaelsanchez7848 I love Ringo. His 1962 Hamburg live recordings with the Beatles are fantastic. I'm a drummer and Ringo was the Beatles

[@romanstar7550]

wow that is absolutely great every moment of it , but the ziggy and buddy part might have been the birth of rock music

[@CaryCotterman]

Interesting observation.

[@xfhghe]

Actually, this is what rock replaced.

[@mridoit1701]

I'd like to say that Gene Krupa really did, buddy was good, but Krupa had style

[@edgarcook9607]

No, the birth of rock was somewhere else!

[@nealsausen4651]

@@mridoit1701 ; don’t kid yourself BUDDY RICH had plenty of style more than enough And if you think but he was just “good”............... Well I think you better listen to BUDDY again!

[@oldsrocket8841]

Priceless!

[@fredsavage4925]

Dear God, please give people the ability to concentrate like this again. Amen.

[@timesnewlogan2032]

That drummer’s having the time of his life!

[@sportster16301]

That was Buddy Rich. The best drummer ever.

[@karlruffing4237]

You would have had the time of YOUR life, if you had ever seen him live!

[@carmendemetrio7685]

QUE ESPECTÁCULOS por Dios, en esa época ❗️❗️❗️ Impresionantes...

[@roybeckerman9253]

Using Slingerland Radio Kings here.... Buddy also finished his career in 1987, using Slingerland Radio Kings as his last drums, at the time of his death.

[@gewasmedon8423]

Go Buddy Go!

[@jason60chev]

Harry James with Krupa on Sing, Sing, Sing but I think Ziggy Elman (Who must have sat next to James, hoping for his day in the sun) and Rich on War Chant is way more exciting.

[@STho205]

Those are my two favorite hot music big band arrangements of the late 30s. Both are instrumental rock....for the rock and roll jitterbug dance beat popular in 1937 to 41. It got rediscovered in 1955 in shortform for 45s. Goodman's variation on Louie Primas Sing Sing Sing diddy is what I consider the cumulation of a american forms up to that date: Folk Ragtime Symphonic Sousa Jewish Jazz Black Jazz Italian Jazz American Indian Traditional Spanish All in one longform piece squeezed on two sides of an oversized 78.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Been awhile since I last saw Ship Ahoy...I'm truly impressed with the sound quality. Too much of the music on YT is of poor quality. Not the the tune I was looking for, though. Heh. Tea for Two popped into my head a few minutes ago, so I'm trying to figure out which version I remember from the late 60s/early 70s.

[@btsdrummer1]

Buddy having the time of his life!

[@ruskohm]

thanks for the video, my uncle was one of the trumpet players

[@Joshster-si6ov]

Which one was he and what was his name?

[@moldyoldie7888]

We're waiting for the other shoe to drop. Drum roll, please.

[@scotgat]

Hard Rock of 1942.

[@edgarcook9607]

Hello, It Is Not Rock!

[@oldsrocket8841]

@@edgarcook9607 The rock era is now sadly behind us.

[@STho205]

It is rock and was called the Rock and Roll dance step. It disappeared in the early 40s in favor of the Hit Parade crooners ballads. Sing Sing Sing is rock (the Louie Prima original even sounds like a 1955 pop diddy). It was rediscovered along with the jitterbug in the mid 50s, when new Rock for new teens started to overwhelm Hit Parade.

[@countiblis1246]

How the hell he manages all that pounding whilst wearing a hefty woolen suit and not end up dripping with sweat is beyond me.

[@t.c.bramblett617]

"talcum powda" lol

[@acfinney1]

Good old style A/C. I used to freeze at the old Becout cinema.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Probably the AC, because Buddy sweat his socks off in every live performnace I've seen of him so far.

[@CaryCotterman]

Movie Magic.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Buddy using Slingerland here, as well as his last appearance in 1987....playing the same song . Very appropriate, as they were his favourite drums... many other brands in between.

[@sticktrik]

Roy Beckerman You mean Radio Kings!! There’s a difference there my friend!! Slingerland in this era was a completely different sound than the ones he used in the 60’s & 70’s!!! He went back to the R.K. for a few years before his death!

[@roybeckerman9253]

truthbtold Were they Slingerland or Radio Kings on the last TV appearance he played this song in January 1987. They were hired for the show.....not his own Radio Kings.

[@nealsausen4651]

@@roybeckerman9253 :If you’re referring to that Hollywood Playdium appearance that drum set Was a Later Slingerland set with a LUDWIG TOM holder ( Look closely)! and a Ludwig snare drum and is owned by Stan at Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood you can see that set on display in the store. I actually had that set in my house for one night when Stan asked me to clean it up and get it ready for the next days professional drum shop 60th anniversary celebration at the Vine street theater in June 2009! Of course I set the set up in my house and played it all night Before taking it down to the Vine Street theater, that very same set that BUDDY used on his last performance a little bit of useless trivia here forgive me!

[@moldyoldie7888]

@@nealsausen4651 There's no need to apologize for your fascinating story.

[@erniebuck7986]

Tied with Well, Git It! as featured in the movie Du Barry Was A Lady (1943) as favorite TD hits of mine.

[@joh_kep3248]

You can tell this is multiple takes stitched together because of Buddy’s ride being gone suddenly throughout the video.

[@larrywagner6986]

This is the kind of number Buddy loved to play with The Dorsey Band. Fast and Furious !

[@dallasstiles118]

Anybody who wants to hate on Buddy needs to check this out. That was actually a fun little movie with so much musical awesomess.

[@pamwoodruff9631]

Not too shabby

[@BR-pj9fi]

WOW!

[@TheTiktok4321]

JUST WOW

[@sywedis4019]

MTV Eat Your Heart Out !

[@jaimesbonde2A]

de la bombe !

[@MrMeck58]

THIS IS THE HOTTEST VERSION OF THIS GREAT SONG

[@davidarturojaimes691]

As I can see, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You was Tommy Dorsey's signature tune, wasn't it?

[@SwingMan1938]

Yep - it was TD's theme.

[@danielgolus4600]

Yes.

[@esmeephillips5888]

TD was known as 'The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing'.

[@adoreslaurel]

And how the money ran out once the war ended, Pity there was just not enough to keep it going, Love Zggy ,sensational horn man.

[@edgarcook9607]

What money, times changed, cabaret tax in NYC, wartime gasoline kept big bands off the road, not to mention the draft which you may have heard there's a war on, 1946 suddenly it was all studio vocals

[@adoreslaurel]

@@edgarcook9607 No, Had not started school until '47, We did have a war going down under. And didn't we get some crap songs mainly starting in the 50's. Drag out my old tape of The Benny Goodman story every now and again. I would not know what your Cabaret Tax is/was but it does not sound helpful.

[@haroldbregman2102]

WOW

[@styldsteel1]

Sad to think every single musician and dancer are all gone. This stage is now empty.

[@djangorheinhardt]

Yes but this nostalgia for this kind of musicianship is what keeps us going.But if there is a great dancehall in the sky,can you imagine,in one dressing room,Tommy Dorsey,Buddy Rich,Frank Sinatra,Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa with all those egos jostling with each other.I suspect God would just absent himself for a while to visit Hell as that would be quieter and safer than that dressing room.!

[@styldsteel1]

djangorheinhardt yes that’s a good way to look at it.

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@djangorheinhardt Miles would be sitting in a corner scowling with his back to the rest of them.

[@djangorheinhardt]

@@esmeephillips5888 Yes, I believe Miles could be quite eccentric at times, as well as stand offish,solipsistic,arrogant,self absorbed,petulant and .......a genius!!.Having said that you could apply those adjectives to the characters of all those guys above,so..............?(lol )

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@djangorheinhardt Krupa was the nicest of your lot, wild enough to cut his sidemen equal slack. More generally, most bandleaders were either martinets such as Goodman (of the notorious cold stare) or Miller, who banned improvisation; or easygoing types such as Duke- who defused tension by ignoring it- Herman or Basie. It was a grueling job: businessman, showman and father confessor to frequently erratic guys, plus you had to keep your own musicianship in trim while gigging all over the country. Tastes and trends could change fast and leave you stranded. No wonder so many combos formed and folded within two to three years, tops. PS: I remember a review of a latter-day concert by Miles, possibly from his rock fusion period, when a reviewer reported in amazement that he smiled at the audience.

[@drzarkov39]

IMO Ziggy was second only to Bunny Berigan (excepting Billy Butterfield's solo in Artie Shaw's Stardust).

[@edgarcook9607]

Nobody ever did low register like Bunny...

[@StopFear]

Of course this is a pretty fun, uplifting performance. I don't hold it against the performers themselves, but it shows something sad also. Notice how they made a modern music by exploiting a Hawaiian themed beat, hula skirts, but there is not one person who looks like a Hawaiian. I mean at least they could have had some Hawaiian girls together with the white ones dancing.

[@DerHerrMitR]

LUAU!

[@mga2899]

Rich channeling his inner Krupa.

[@bluetarantulaproductions6179]

Timon's dance scene in the Lion King brought me here

[@jimfritz2087]

I'll take this song and " Sing Sing Sing" with Gene Krupa . Tom Tom playing as it should be done. 🥁 I own a Buddy Rich DVD with this tune on it , the whole thing is A list playing. 🥁

[@drzarkov39]

Has much as I like Eleanor Powell, it's to bad the director had the camera pull away from Buddy Rich's fantastic climatic finale to show a pedestrian dance finale.

[@tombrown1796]

Busby Berkeley might have totally integrated Eleanor Powell into the music, and the end result would no doubt still be blowing minds. At least we have some crisp black-and-white cinematography with T.D. and the boys at the peak of their powerhouse period when Sy Oliver was producing the exact kind of arrangements T.D. favored. Although "Hawaiian War Chant" predated Oliver's 1939 arrival, it and other Dorsey standards like "Song of India" and "Marie" were soon refreshed by what Buddy DeFranco once described as Oliver's "blood and guts-type arrangements."

[@jackanthony976]

I read that the pedestrian dance finale was added at the last minute of filming.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Sorry, the words 'pedestrian' and 'Eleanor Powell' do not belong in the same sentence;-)

[@esmeephillips5888]

@@tombrown1796 Sy Oliver was hired away from Lunceford in 1939. 'Hawaiian War Chant' is from 'Ship Ahoy' (1942), not 'Honolulu' (1939).

[@danielgolus4600]

I like seeing the girls. Nick eye-candy! Hell, we already know what Buddy Rich looks like, dont need to see him up-close here.

[@JoeNocella]

That's a lot of triplets at the end...whew!

[@pedroluispetrillo6289]

Questa e' era Musica,quella di quest'epoca e Niente Pi'u

[@ChrisSmith-lo2kp]

straight, no chaser