Soundies: Jazz And Jive (1940s) | Early Music Videos

Soundies were an early form of music video. Developed prior to television, they played on 16mm film projectors that were viewed on small screens like a video jukebox and captured some of the top artists of the day. This reel, preserved by the Prelinger Archive features Rhythm and Blues performers .Enjoy!

Delta Rhythm Boys in "Take the 'A' Train" (1941).
2:43 Fats Waller in "Your Feet's Too Big (1941).
5:49 Count Basie Orchestra in "Take Me Back, Baby" (with vocal by
Jimmy Rushing) (1941).
8:21 "Preacher and the Bear" featuring The Jubalaires (vocal quartet)
11:25 "Ring Those Bells" (Black children vocal quintet, unidentified;
Possibly The Cabin Kids.)
12:19 The Ali Baba Trio in "Patience and Fortitude" (1946)
(featuring Valaida Snow singing and playing jazz trumpet -
with trio of guitar, bass and accordion!)
15:01 "Rocco Blues" featuring Maurice Rocco (piano and vocal)
17:54 Gloria Grey sings "Oh By Jingo" (looks later, circa 1950 or so)
20:35 "I Want A Man", sung by Annisteen Allen and accompanied by
Lucky Millinder and his Orchestra (huge big band)(1943).
25:33 Woman jazz harpist (LaVilla Tulos) playing "Swanee River"
(a title list of Soundies has this entry as "Swanee Swing").

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