Comments on: Frankly Speaking

By: SinatraDJ

SinatraDJ — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:24:03 +0000

Favorite Singers
He describes Jo Stafford as “the unfound star,” adding: “Catch her on the Jolson show. She’ll knock you out.”
Gordon Jenkins told me a wonderful story about Stafford and Jolson. He was on staff at NBC and was assigned music director for the Jolson show.
He wanted to vomit! One day, while rehearsing with Stafford, Jolson came waltzing into the studio [an hour late] and announced, “I'm here, everybody.” Gordy told him, “Sit down Mr. Jolson, can't you see I'm rehearsing with Joe Stafford, I'll get to you next.” Gordy said the musicians started packing their gear, thinking the gig was over. Surprisingly, Jolson sat down in a chair, with his head hung down in his hands. As Gordy told me, “He now took a different role– acting like a child who had just been scolded.
Gordy told me the highlight of the assignment took place after the show was aired — Jolson told the audience, “You ain't heard nothing yet.” For an hour he sang all his signature songs, to the delight of the audience.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:24:00 +0000

Favorite Singers
He describes Jo Stafford as “the unfound star,” adding: “Catch her on the Jolson show. She’ll knock you out.”
Gordon Jenkins told me a wonderful story about Stafford and Jolson. He was on staff at NBC and was assigned music director for the Jolson show.
He wanted to vomit! One day, while rehearsing with Stafford, Jolson came waltzing into the studio [an hour late] and announced, “I’m here, everybody.” Gordy told him, “Sit down Mr. Jolson, can’t you see I’m rehearsing with Joe Stafford, I’ll get to you next.” Gordy said the musicians started packing their gear, thinking the gig was over. Surprisingly, Jolson sat down in a chair, with his head hung down in his hands. As Gordy told me, “He now took a different role– acting like a child who had just been scolded.
Gordy told me the highlight of the assignment took place after the show was aired — Jolson told the audience, “You ain’t heard nothing yet.” For an hour he sang all his signature songs, to the delight of the audience.