Helen O'Connell / Six Lessons From Madame La Zonga (1940) / w/The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra

They would turn the room on its head with this number. The lyrics, the rhythm and above all Helen's singing make for a quite infectious record. It was a huge hit in 1940.

[@patrickbush9526]

The most amazing time of music wow how fantastic. I'm know that I'm not the only one that wish they were a time traveler

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a mad keen 76yo Aussie fan.

[@paxguns]

Splendid,whatever happened to this type of singers whose diction was perfect. Now we have so-called stars that can only scream.

[@jeremyvernon1452]

so sad, but true!

[@edwardglod4757]

I agree

[@jstoller2918]

There's a lot of great music from this band that preceded their 'duets'.

[@carolandersen320]

Loved it!

[@potdog1000]

even by todays standard she was gorgeous

[@corlyssd]

Her vocal range couldn't be more perfect. Ideally a singer's range should sound more like heightened conversation, not strained or screechy. My fave singers from this world are Jo Stafford, Ella Fitz, Helen O'Connell, Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone, Nat King Cole, and Billy Eckstein. I think all of them have that quality of sounding like their singing was "just" heightened speech.

[@colinbryan8265]

Couldn’t agree more, a pretty complete list. I would add Linda Ronstadt, Patti Loveless and Rhonda Vincent. But then I’m into Bluegrass also!

[@leeming1234]

Helen Forrest.

[@robertchamberlain7202]

Her phrasing is unique in a charming way.

[@jameschristensen6307]

I think this was done Dec 1941 or early 1942 because, in the audience, there are several sailors in uniform indicating that we were at war when uniforms are mandatory. In 1940 those men probably would have been in civies.

[@bigbandrenaissance]

Helen O’Connell / Six Lessons From Madame La Zonga (1940) / w/The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra Helen O’Connell and the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra would turn the room on its head with this number. Taking the trends in dance of the time, La Conga, and turning it back on the audience in a funny way. The band has interesting and humorous swinging riffs throughout as a counterpoint to one of Helen O’Connell’s most infectious vocals.

[@edwardglod4757]

Beautiful

[@cp2410]

Cute song! Kind of think that people in 2024 would be mystified by lyrics: " Have you ever been embarrassed when you're in a smart Cafe and they play a Cuban tempo, is your dancing quite passe."

[@wolfpat]

Maybe someone could help me out. Some years ago, I was listening to a radio show talking about Jimmy Dorsey and his brother Tommy. During the course of the show, they played a Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra song that was, as far as I could tell, the exact music for Gloria Esteban's "Conga". But I haven't found any recordings of that. Can someone clear this up for me?