Davis, Johnnie 1969-10-23

Johnnie "Scat" Davis recalls his musical career with the big bands, spanning a period from the 1920s to the present.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Johnnie "Scat" Davis

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: October 23, 1969

Location: Dallas, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family history in music, Mr. Davis' start in music, Joining Jimmy Joy's band, Joining Red Nichols' band, Naming some old hits, Recording, Fred Waring, Casa Loma Band, Going on radio with Fred Waring, Going to Hollywood with F. Waring, Recalling some Hollywood movies, Organizing own band, 1939, Playing the theatre circuit, Mr. Davis' wife and children, Taking over Hoagy Carmichael's band, World War II, Rehearsing the band, Armed Forces Entertainment Committee, After the war--disbanding of Band, Explanation of the change, Television show in Detroit, Origin of nickname "Scat", Johnnie's brother, Art Davis, Fate of the "Big Band Sound", Music Mr. Davis plays today, Reaction of young people

Tape 1, Side 2: There is no indication of where side two begins

Range Dates: 1939-1969

Bulk Dates: 1939-1969

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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