McCord, J Fred, and Gordon Lewis 1969-10-00

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Fred McCord and Gordon Lewis review their musical careers, along with both big-name bands and small on-the-road groups of the 1920s and 1930s. Lives of the musicians are included.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J. Fred McCord and Gordon Lewis

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: October 1969

Location: Dallas, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: J. Fred McCord: Beginning of musical career in Western music, Discusses experiences with bands on the road, Early bands that he worked with, Popularity of radio and dancing in 1920s, Dallas night spots of 1930s, Story about hungry musicians pooling their resources, Fair engagements, Story about a manager’s efforts to cheat the band, out of its money, Story about a frugal musician who found himself stranded, Arranging band music, Popular bands of 1920s and 1930s in Dallas, Story about chickens interfering with demonstrations of musical instruments, Gordon Lewis: Early musical studies with Elliot Daniels (Gordon’s cousin), Elliot Daniels’ musical career, Experience auditioning for Percy Levine (?) of Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Tape 1, Side 2: Musical styles of 1920s, Discusses bands and players of 1920s and the tupes of music they played, Lewis’ early playing experiences in New England with traveling bands, Discusses his own musical act with his wife, Working in Burlesque House, Work with Tommy Dorsey band, Story about Lewis’ invitation to go into movie business.

Range Dates: 1920s-1940s

Bulk Dates: 1920s-1930s


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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