Q.
A friend is looking for tapes or records for the following: When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New, by Jimmy Roselli; and If You Love Me Half as Much, by Doris Day or Theresa Brewer. – Thomas Birch, Cooper City
A.
Evidently you missed my Feb. 4 column about the most popular tune requested by readers of this column – When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New. The correct title of the other song is Half as Much. It was popularized by Rosemary Clooney and it became a million-seller for her. You can get both of these songs on tape at Sir Arthur’s Oldies, 7401 NW 57th St., Tamarac 33319; 1-954-722-8303.
Q.
Would you please tell me if the words or name “Ivan Skavinski Skavar” ever appeared in any song? If it did, what was the name of the song, and other information about it? – Joseph Kotomski, Delray Beach
A.
This name appeared in the song Abdul Abulbul Amir, which was written in 1927 and introduced by composer/singer Frank Crumit. It was sung by Dick Powell in the 1935 film Shipmates Forever. It was adapted from a 19th century English song credited to William Percy French. Crumit popularized it in vaudeville and on radio.
Q.
Was Al Jolson’s Rock-a-Bye Your Baby from a Broadway show? If so, can you give me the year? – Stuart Sosniak, Sunrise
A.
Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody was introduced by Jolson in the 1918 Broadway musical Sinbad. It opened Feb. 14, 1918, and ran for 164 performances.
Q.
Is the soundtrack from the 1960s movie The Helen Morgan Story available? – Vincent Geis, Deerfield Beach
A.
The Helen Morgan Story was released in 1957. Ann Blyth portrayed the famous torch singer of the 1920s; Gogi Grant dubbed her singing voice. Others in the cast included Paul Newman, Richard Carlson, Gene Evans, Alan King and Cara Williams. The original soundtrack is available at Sir Arthur’s Oldies in Tamarac, mentioned previously.
Notes to readers
For Charlotte L., Fort Lauderdale: There is an excellent selection of Matt Monro recordings at Sid’s Music Center, 5472 W. Sample Road, Margate 33073, 1-954-977-8111.
Recommended
Carved in Stone, a new CD by the DMP Big Band, is absolutely amazing as it simulates the original classic arrangements of the following big bands: Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and Glenn Miller. To order, write to Mr. Nostalgia, P.O. Box 26414, Tamarac 33320; or call 1-954-726-5420.
Marvin Randolph’s column answers readers’ questions relating to popular music and jazz of the early 1900s through 1960. Please! No inquiries about music composed after 1960. No opera, no classical, no children’s. No appraisals. Only popular music and jazz. Requests must be written; no phone calls, please. Send your questions to Sun-Sentinel, 3333 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. 33445; attention: Musical Memories.
