Harper, Johnny 1975-12-26
Johnny Harper recalls his experiences as a drummer during the Big Band era.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Johnny Harper
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: December 26, 1975
Location: Abilene, Texas
Interviewer: Richie Cravens
Length: 1 hour
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Beginnings in music,
Scholarships to Hardin-Simmons University,
Scholarship to McMurry College,
Charlie Banks’ nightclub,
Professional tours during summers,
Began with Buddy Thisher (late 1930s),
Played professionally (to 1950s),
Places traveled,
Bands joined,
Ernie Hacksher’s "Society Band",
Band described,
Aragon Ballroom Chicago Illinois,
Left professional career (1950),
Experiences with Jack Teagarten’s band,
Big band fans,
Fan magazines,
Big names recalled,
Kings of Big Band era,
Trademarks,
Great black artists,
Beginnings as drummer,
Cost of drums past and present,
Mafia clubs,
Reasons for changing career,
Society orchestras,
USO shows,
Conversation with Les Brown,
Excellence of big band artists.
Tape 1, Side 2: Praise of North Texas State University,
Degrees in jazz,
Quality of graduates,
Theater tour defined and described,
Buddy Rich,
Given black eye by Frank Sinatra,
Idiosyncrasies,
Popularity of singers,
Early methods of recording,
Ernie Hecksher still heard,
Learning by listening,
Ten-day tour with Jimmy Crawford of Jimmy,
Lunceford’s band,
Jam session at Jimmy La Roache’s club in Pittsburgh,
Big band era,
Demise (1950s),
Beginnings (1935-36),
Popular dances,
Best dancers.
Range Dates: 1920s-1950
Bulk Dates: 1935-1950
Access Information
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Transcript:
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