(Originally posted Dec. 10, 2005.)
Today the Virtual Victrola presents four jazzy (well, one kind of corny) versions of "Jingle Bells" from the 1930's. Not much time to blog today, but I'll provide links for anyone who wants to know more about the artists.
The Riley-Farley Onyx Club Orchestra was one of the early hitmakers for Decca records. Their claim to fame was the novelty song "The Music Goes Round and Round," which was recorded by numerous other orchestras. This lively version of "Jingle Bells" dates from 1935. More on the Riley-Farley orchestra here (scroll down)
Download rileyfarley_and_their_orch_jingle_bells.mp3
The exuberant, devilish, and powerful stride pianist and comic singer Fats Waller recorded "Swingin' Them Jingle Bells" for Victor in 1936. More on Fats Waller here.
Download fats_waller_and_his_rhythm_swingin_them_jingle_bells.mp3
The Hoosier Hotshots were some of the most popular "hillbilly" entertainers of the 1930's and 1940's. Their unique sound was a blend of slide whistle, clarinet, guitar, washboard, string bass, singing, and other odd sound effects provided by the band members. Their silly, cozy version of "Jingle Bells" was recorded in 1936 and reissued on this Columbia record in 1945. More on the Hotshots here.
Download hoosier_hot_shots_jingle_bells.mp3
Our final version of "Jingle Bells" is by Tiny Hill, a relatively popular Midwestern bandleader during the late 30's through the early 50's. More on Tiny Hill here (scroll down).
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