Ballew, Mr Smith 1970-02-17
Smith Ballew recalls his successful career as a bandleader and singer during the 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mr. Smith Ballew
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: February 17, 1970
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Interviewer: Fred Carpenter
Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1:
String Band in Palestine, Texas,
The Texajazzers,
Jimmy Joy's band at University of Texas,
Beginning his band career as a professional--the Ft. Worth Club,
Playing at the Herring in Amarillo,
Move to Kansas City,
Working through Music Corporation of America,
Dee Orr plays with Mr. Ballew,
smith leaves MCA in Chicago,
Ballew and Orr find a job,
Meeting Glenn Miller in Chicago
Tape 1, Side 2:
Glenn Miller gets Ballew to join Ben Pollock's band,
Ted Feritta gets Ballew to join his band,
Feritta leaves Ballew in New York with no job,
Working club dates in New York,
Recording contract obtained,
With the band at White's Restaurant on Fifth Avenue,
The Club Richmond date,
Johnny "Scat" Davis is introduced,
Traveling throughout the country--playing hotels,
Playing New Orleans--successful runs,
Choral group sings "Stormy Weather",
Ballew goes to Hollywood,
Screen tests made by Paramount
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Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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