Snapshot in Prose: Red Nichols
This week’s Snapshot in Prose captures cornet and trumpet player Red Nichols at a relatively early point in his career, though he had already made hundreds of recordings under a variety of band names. But, to a certain degree, the more traditional jazz he favored, with its Dixieland flavor, was on the verge of being replaced by the new swing craze.
But Nichols survived and even thrived, continuing to record and perform until his death in 1965. In this 1935 profile, Nichols looks back at his salad days in the world of jazz.


The Dorseys do it up right
If you’re a regular listener to Cladrite Radio (and if you’re not, don’t you think you ought to be?), you’ve no doubt heard the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra‘s 1935 bouncy recording of “Lullaby of Broadway” as part of our current playlist. But we like it so much, we decided to feature it here, as well.
It’s a song that’s been recorded by many orchestras and artists over the years, but this rendition, with Bob Crosby on vocals (Bing‘s brother, don’t you know, which must have felt in those days like being Babe Ruth‘s singles-hitting sibling), is a particular favorite of ours. When the backing vocalists slide in to sing counterpoint at the 1:28 mark, we’re left feeling downright gleeful. And when, after that, the orchestra takes over to bring the recording to a rousing finish — well, it’s as toe-tapping a 2 minutes and 44 seconds as one could hope for.
But don’t take our word for it — give it a listen.
The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra — “Lullaby of Broadway” (1935)
Are You Having Any Fun?
Hey fellow with a million smackers
And nervous indigestion
Rich fellow, eats milk and crackers,
I'll ask you one question,
You silly so and so,
With all your dough...
Are you having any fun?
What you getting out of livin'?
What good is what you've got
If you're not having any fun?
Are you having any laughs?
Are you getting any lovin'?
If other people do,
So can you, have a little fun.
After the honey's in the cone,
Little bees go out and play.
Even the old grey mare down home
Has got to have hay. Hey!
You better have some fun.
You ain't gonna live forever.
Before you're old and gray, feel okay.
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Why do you work and slave and save?
Life is full of ifs and buts.
You know the squirrels save and save,
And what have they got? Nuts!
Better have a little fun.
You ain't gonna live forever.
Before you're old and grey, still okay,
Have your little fun, son!
Have your little fun!
Are you havin' any fun?
---Sammy Fain (music) and Jack Yellen (lyrics), 1939







