Closing Theme
Clyde McCoy And His Orchestra Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Speak low when you speak, love,
Our summer day withers away
Too soon, too soon.

Speak low when you speak, love,
Our moment is swift, like ships adrift,
We're swept apart too soon.

Speak low, darling speak low,
Love is a spark lost in the dark,
Too soon, too soon,
I feel wherever I go
That tomorrow is near, tomorrow is here
And always too soon.

Time is so old and love so brief,
Love is pure gold and time a thief.
We're late darling, we're late,
The curtain descends, ev'rything ends
Too soon, too soon,
I wait darling, I wait

Will you speak low to me,
Speak love to me and soon.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the closing theme of Clyde McCoy And His Orchestra's song depict a romantic journey across a mystical desert landscape. The night sky, with its shining stars, sets the perfect enigmatic mood for the couple's adventure. The fading light of the stars feels like a mystery, adding a sense of uncertainty to the journey, yet the magic of the environment encapsulates them. The singer of the song experiences love, which he refers to as the magic charms of his partner, and he embraces the experience with all his senses. He dreams of a life with his loved one, and he leaves behind all that is familiar to pursue his heart's desire. As the desert caravan travels across the sand, the singer falls asleep on his partner's shoulder, cherishing the moment and the memories they share.

Line by Line Meaning

Night and stars above that shine so bright
The darkness illuminated by the bright shining of stars above

The mystery of their fading light
The unknown cause of the stars' gradual dimming

That shines upon our caravan
The stars shine down on the group's traveling home

Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
Rest your head on my shoulder as we move along carefully

Across the sand so I may keep
Traversing the sandy terrain so I can hold onto

The memory of our caravan
The reminiscence of our journey and camaraderie

This is so exciting
The present experiences are extremely invigorating

You are so inviting
You are attractive and alluring

Resting in my arms
Comfortably napping with me at your side

As I thrill to the magic charms
Feeling exhilarated by your enchanting appeal

Of you beside me here beneath the blue
You are next to me under the open sky

My dream of love is coming true
My aspirations for love and romance are being realized

Within our desert caravan
Inside the traveling vehicle that carries us through the desert

Lyrics © Music Hub O/B/O GEMA, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kurt Weill, Ogden Nash

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@_---

I have this as a 1931 recording on Banner records, 33442 A. The flip side is Tear it Down, which 78Discography says was recorded in 1935. So there's that. These are listed at 78Discography --

Sugar Blues - BANNER (1921 - 1935) - 33442 - 1931-01-22; matrix: 17422=1; xref: ME13409; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - COLUMBIA (USA): Discs - 2389D - 1931-01-22; matrix: W151238; xref: ME13409A; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - CONQUEROR (1928 - 1941) - 9540 - 1931-01-22; Composer: Mccoy; matrix: 17422=1; xref: CO2389; control: W151238; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - MELOTONE (1930-1938) - 13409A - 1931-01-22; Composer: Williams - Fletcher; matrix: 17422=1; xref: BA33442; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - MERCURY - 5118 - 1946-05-11; matrix: 1715=2; control: PBE1339; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - ORIOLE (U.S.A) - 3150 - 1931-01-22; matrix: 17422; control: 151238; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - PERFECT (U.S.A) - 16124 - 1931-01-22; matrix: 17422=1; control: 151238; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - ROMEO - 2524 - matrix: 17422=1; xref: BA33442; ~3 min
Sugar Blues - VOCALION - 02847 - 1931-01-22; Composer: Fletcher - Williams; matrix: 17422; xref: CO2389; control: 151238; ~3 min

All comments from YouTube:

@jimwilson5093

11y↑47

A good friend of mine played with Clyde on the road many years ago and told me about how Clyde invented the wah sound which was then used electronically for guitar and how Jimi Hendrix played the original Clyde McCoy wah wah pedal made by Vox which was distributed in America by Thomas organs. I am just now listening to Clyde for the first time and am enjoying his style and I love the wah effect. How many people think its a new sound from the late 60's when in fact it goes way back

@mikepercival8702

5y↑2

Yeah, so true, Jim. Thanks.

@u47tube

3y↑4

So glad you enjoyed this 8 years ago. Thank you, Jim.

@AngelSusie57

6y↑72

My dad, Craig Lewis, played lead Alto in Clyde's band in the 40's.

@mikepercival8702

5y↑3

How fantastically cool, Susie!

@u47tube

5y↑2

I'm so proud you mentioned that, Susie! Thank you!

@LittleDrummerBoyLittle

4y↑4

My Papaw Walt Fraley played sax in the Ashland city band in the late 20s. I wonder if he played with this guy?

@МУЅТ

4y↑3

I play apex legends with my friends online sometimes? Maybe I’ve met your dad? What’s he main?

@AngelSusie57

@@МУЅТ my daddy stopped music before I was born in the 50's. His name was Craig Lewis, sadly, he died in 2012.

2 More Replies...

@richardmurie9415

7y↑39

Great Band ! Clyde McCoy's band was stationed at the Naval Air Technical Training Center ,NATTC, at Memphis. When I returned stateside after Normandy D-Day, invasion of southern France and Mediteranean duty I was stationed there until discharged in !946.. I was a trumpteer and they let me play in the band. Those were the good old JAZZ DAYS. Milt Rezinick , one of the finest trumpeters, was a good friend.

@kirkbready3848

7y↑4

Thanks for the memory, Richard! I was stationed at NAS Memphis from ''62 to '63. Clyde & his band had moved on by then but I did get to see a terrific concert by Stan Kenton & his orchestra for the admission price of 10 cents! Then they performed for a dance held in a drill hall (no charge). The icing on that cake was the two bus loads of Southern Belles brought in by the USO. I thought I'd gone from boot camp to heaven.

Years later (about 1980) I did get to see Clyde McCoy and his band performing at a club in Greenville, S.C. They still sounded great. During a break I introduced myself to express my admiration and gratitude and he very graciously invited me to join him at his table where he sipped iced tea, smoked his pipe and related fascinating highlights of the great times he and his wife enjoyed as he performed all over the country. He was a very congenial gentleman who obviously enjoyed and appreciated his life and career.

@drmike119

6y↑2

My dad's name was Julie Stower and played piano for Clyde during the 30's. He met my mom in Memphis while playing at the roof top of the Claridge Hotel. They married in 1939. He played piano until Clyde decided to go on USO tour and my dad stayed state side when I was born in Jan 1940. You brought back great memories.....

@lovesixtiesrockmusic5304

6y↑1

Thank you for your service and the Greatest Generation

@mikepercival8702

5y↑1

@@lovesixtiesrockmusic5304 YES! Thanks for your service!

@LittleDrummerBoyLittle

Thanks for your service and interesting story!

4 More Replies...

@jrkannard

4y↑1

My grandfather, Keith Kannard, played clarinet with Clyde McCoy

@u47tube

wow, absolutely cool. thank you. i do remember seeing that name in the personnel.

@kselkow

3y↑1

Clyde taught this song to my Grandfather I remember him playing this tho me as a young boy

@u47tube

Wow, fond memories. Thank you.

@u47tube

1y↑1

Hey, thanks for that story! Yeah, more sidemen should write books of their band experiences.

@centauriss

2y↑1

Darrel Laslie Vaughn played cornet/trumpet with Clyde McCoy to get thru Medical school in New York in the 30s.
My sister has his trumpet.

@valerielandis3911

2y↑1

My now 90 yr old dad, who played trumpet in Dixie land jazz band for many years, had always told me his favorite blues or jazz song if he had to pick one was "The Sugar Blues" 🎶 🎵 🎶
I called him in his hospital room a few minutes ago and told him I had a surprise for him and to listen closely. I had it ready on you tube and turned the volume up and played this. I said "that was your favorite" and he said "oh yeah"... I said that was Clyde Mccoy and he said very clearly "He was the best" and I said you used to make your trumpet talk just like that too!! It sounded like a person, and sometimes like a baby crying..
When I was little I'd say "play it again daddy, play it again,please" and he'd play it again one more time 💕 He really loved hearing this.

@NoOne-kr4jc

lol that's cute. Thanks for sharing.

@jimmycoppinger1305

6y↑16

This is the original recording above and was recorded in 1928.

@u47tube

15y↑15

Hi, x, did you know, Clyde got his sound using a doorknob (pixie) mute in the bell, then using an ice cream dish for the wah wah?

@elcochipit

10y↑7

So finaly this is the original Clyde Mccoy´s "sugar blues" ... I like it!

@u47tube

10y

Hi, thanks for chiming in!

@u47tube

11y↑9

That is so true, Bob. I've heard many renditions over the years. No one gets those baby hiccups like Clyde did. No one.

@kaydavies5312

8y↑1

Love it! My dad was a horn player who introduced me to Clyde's Sugar Blues when I was very young.

@drmike119

6y↑1

My name is Mike Stower. My dad played piano with the Clyde Mccoy Band and he is in a photo at Elietch's Gardens in Denver.

@hbennett5640

37w

Awesome...I have the Sugar Blues picture album from my Dad who played the trombone in his band💙.

@jonathanbethards3689

3y↑2

Feel like I should be watching a burlesque show and sipping a Tom Collins or something

@u47tube

3y↑1

Probably was a popular choice by burlesque dancers as an alternative to David Rose's "The Stripper."

@hbennett5640

37w↑1

❤❤❤yes

@nahzplays4602

9y↑8

Cant stop listening to this masterpiece. Im going to working on a transcription

@u47tube

9y↑1

+Fantasy Plays Let me know if I can be of any help!

@nahzplays4602

+u47tube for sure!

@franklyterrence4860

7y↑1

My Dad had Sugar Blues on a 78 and the Record was printed in Full Color on the 78. Always loved this tune!

@hbennett5640

37w

I have this colorful record from my Dad, he played the trombone in Clyde McCoy band❤.

@drbassface

5y↑1

This is the one song my grandfather would ask me if I had ever heard....sadly it wasn't as easy as it is today to find when he was still around. Classic.

@loraschultz772

8y↑2

The McCoy's are my ancestors, very talented, never knew that til a few years ago.

@donovanbaldwin2797

2y↑1

I've got my dad's 78 of this.

@colt-dh3fx

10y↑7

Thanks for posting this. I've always been familiar with the Decca version of the song. The one the other guy posted must be the later Capitol version. I've always wondered about the 1931 version. I like it! My favorite McCoy is still "Tear it Down" (Decca) though I understand there is once again an earlier Columbia release of this as well.

@u47tube

+Norm Kleve Hi, thank you. The other version I mentioned is I think a school band playing live. Yeah, "Tear it Down"!

@richarddata8876

10y

This was my grandmothers favorite song. Good memories. She had the original LP.

@u47tube

10y

Nice to hear. Thank you and happy holidays!

@kevingolightly2888

8y↑2

thought I had this downloaded. it was a song I enjoyed my father play. it took me forever to find cause I couldn't remember the name, then I found it but couldn't remember who played this version. finally it came to me and went to show a buddy, well apparently I never downloaded it so lost it..... So I've been on the net for hours and it's now 3:33 am and I have it..... thank-you for posting it.

@u47tube

8y↑1

This makes my day. So glad for you. I know that feeling of searching years... Thanks very much!

@hbennett5640

37w

A few of the colorful records are on Ebay...I have record Sugar Blues from my Dad that played trombone in his band💙.

@bobhelmich711

11y

Thanks for the come back. Some times you feel like no one ever hears what you have to say or realy cares what is said. I can not live with out GOOD music. It makes like more enjoyable. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

@kaydavies5312

8y↑10

PS, Dad also told me Clyde McCoy achieved this wonderful sound with a wah-wah mute. Fabulous. Thanks for the Boogie version, too. Not as great as the original...too much orchestra for my taste. I like my Clyde straight up.

@harryhagan5937

5y↑3

I travelled with Clyde, his wife, and the diamond-toothed poodle in '65 for a while. Separate cars of course. It was great fun but didn't pay very well. Clyde had a diamond ring that must have been 10 carats, And a long Cadillac.

@u47tube

5y↑1

Didn't pay well but an experience many would pay well to have. Thanks for chiming in.

@byronanderson817

9y↑2

I have a picture record in 78 rpm of Sugar Blues and Basin Street Blues that my mother gave me.

@u47tube

+Byron Anderson Hi, yes I've seen some of that series right here on YouTube. But yours are extra special because they were a gift from Mom! I know you'll hold on to those for life.

@patrickcraig6032

I have the same recording,cool

@hbennett5640

37w

I have picture record Sugar Blues from my Dad who played in his band💙.

@2emeraldeyes

13y↑1

Truly I didn't think I would find this! Thank you! I love this! My nickname is SUGAR BLUES because of this song -This song was used in the movie "Some like it Hot" starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, & Jack Lemmon. Marilyns name in the movie was "Sugar" Sugar Cane to be exact....for anyone who doesn't already know that!

@rexlibris99

11y↑2

This was a particular favorite of my dad's and I can see why. It's a great composition and Clyde McCoy plays like no one else could..or can.

@mikepercival8702

5y↑1

Thanks, Rex!

@markgardner4426

one of the first records of my parents I listened to 50-some years ago

@u47tube

3y↑1

Hi, glad it brought back family memories.

@RayPaganJr

14y

I just discovered I have this 78 record. It's on the Decca lable, (C9763). Side B is the song "Tear It Down". Record is a bit beat up though. I'll upload it if anyone wants to hear it on my Victrola.

@thefabulousmark

15y

Opps I just responded to the other video on u-tube of the Sugar Blues,but this is the one I heard as a child and it has been one of my favorite jazz recordings ever since!

@brockshields9336

15w

I've been a fan of Clyde for 20 odd years. He was a real whizz on the trumpet! Could really make it squeal! I've got a small collection of 78rpm shellacky records that I dearly love. One softer vinyl Vogue picture disc of "Sugar Blues" that I can't play on my Victor Orthophonic Victrola although I may try someday with a cactus needle, never with steel. "Tear It Down" is another good one!

@u47tube

13y

Hi, Joni, thanks for your comments, and I'm happy the music brings back those beloved times.

@u47tube

15y↑1

I'm so glad you enjoy it. I just wish I could add some more elaborate video effects. but then, music this engaging...doesn't need it, huh? Thank you.

@_---

@johnstrobel5836

Thanks for posting! Just played Sugar Blues in a local band. Great example of the "Pixie Mute/Plunger" sound. (Clyde McCoy...unfortunately not me yet!)

@tacoslammer

13y

I had the original Sugar Blues album but it got damaged in a basement flood about 15 years ago and had to be discarded. Bummer! :(

@chezztone

4y↑1

A relative of the great bluesman Robert Johnson says he loved this song.

@u47tube

Very cool, thanks!

@u47tube

14y↑1

@bluesborn Hi and thanks for your input. Yeah, that "other" is what inspired me to -- no pun -- set the "record" straight! And it kinda started a thing with me where I've begun to post rare and unusual jazz trumpet recorded moments that aren't heard anywhere on YouTube. Just my duty to the legacy of the greats.

@w.scottparkeriii8508

Thank you. This was one of my mother's favorites. You are correct - this IS the real one.

@Hutzjohn

10y↑2

The sugar blues boogie is ssswwwweeeeeettttt. The man was awesome. Thanks for this one.

@u47tube

8y↑1

Very happy to post it. I thank YOU.

@u47tube

13y

@joni4749 Hi, Joni, thanks for your comments, and I'm happy the music brings back those beloved times.

@goldenoldiesPete

8y↑1

This song is great. It makes you feel good, and soothes you, plug the sounds in it are so good and pleasant to the ear.

@u47tube

8y↑3

Ah, yes, from days when music was indeed pleasant to the ear. Thank you, glad it makes ya feel good.

@u47tube

15y

And thank you too. I plan to post more of this kind of lesser known novelty jazz and also jazz trumpeters soon.

@kcmt01

15y↑1

Thanks! My band is adding this song to our play list.

@u47tube

15y↑1

Thank you, JC, for the interesting discographical details and for your interest in good music!

@u47tube

Ah, OK, I'll have to hunt for a recording of that.

@u47tube

15y↑1

Hey, great tip about Vogue. Thanks again. Everyone should check these out on YouTube. These were actually "picture records"--yes, artwork right in the grooves of the vinyl.

@u47tube

11y↑1

PART 1: Howdy, Jim, good to hear from you. You know, I was both surprised yet perplexed the first time I saw that Vox pedal while searching Clyde on eBay. My first reaction was, "What in Blue Blazes has a rock WahWah pedal got to do with Clyde???" It was quite a tribute to him that Vox would put his name on gear that would be marketed for '60s rockers. Yes, the sound goes way back. And it may even be a misnomer that Clyde invented the sound...(to part 2)

@LilPea133

I have an old vinyl of this from my great grandpa

@tommylord

14y

Boy does this bring back memories. My dad bought the Capitol LP which is shown @ 3:10. I was going through a box of old vinyl yesterday and discovered it is still in my possesion! My siblings and I got a great deal of enjoyment out of listening to that record forty+ years ago. IIRC, the version of Sugar Blues on that record is a slow tempo like the 1st one on this upload. Thanks for putting this up.

@u47tube

15y

hello there, Mark, glad to bring you the real deal. I'll have to get Raymond Scott's "The Toy Trumpet" posted soon.

@u47tube

14y

Hi, thank you so much. Really glad you like it and that you've rediscovered it in your collection!

@19walter51

11y

my father told of this 60 year's ago,thank you.

@u47tube

11y

Hi there, Walter. Glad it brought back memories of Dad.

@Kockabilly

12y

Master of Wah Wah. My first vinyl jazz. I got this on christmas 2001 from my mom. Love it everyday.

@remoapeter

2y↑1

The "Boogie" version really rocks!

@u47tube

Yeah, his boogie remake knocked me out when I first heard it ('50s Capitol LP).

@robertrenn6516

One of my dad's favorite songs

@u47tube

Hi, yeah, my dad was a WWII vet. I think he was very happy to have a son who appreciated the great music of those times.

@youraverageyoutubeenjoyer

I never knew I love the trumpet as much as I just realized I do now.

@u47tube

Ah, a new trumpet fan!

@u47tube

11y↑1

So true! Yeah, this one is a timeless hit for ol' Clyde. Thank you.

@u47tube

14y↑1

@kamakaze13 Yes, I've seen that--I think there's one show from the '50s and one from the '70s where they do "Sugar Blues.". They're fine musicians but neither trumpeter gets McCoy's effects. The main thing no one seems to be able to do is Clyde's hiccups and baby whimpering! Nice to hear from you, thanks.

@PaulaConwayNYC

9y↑3

The Sugar Blues.....by Clyde Mccoy

@u47tube

15y

My pleasure, would love to hear your band playing this!

@u47tube

14y

@RayPaganJr Hey, Ray, thanks, can't wait to hear this!

@u47tube

12y

Hi, thanks so much. Yeah, after only knowing the early version, the newer one, "Sugar Blues Boogie" knocked me out too! Happy New Year!

@pennagainagain7491

Double trreat on this site: the original gut-bucket sound of one of the cutest tunes ever, and lots of great personal info on the band from commenters .... which is what the "Comment" section should be!

@u47tube

12y

Hi, thanks very much for your recollections. I believe the record you're speaking of was on the Vogue lable, and you can see and hear it on YouTube. Just search "Clyde McCoy - Sugar Blues - Vogue Picture."

@TheTallMan50

14y↑1

Did anyone else know that Clyde McCoy is a direct descendant of the McCoy family from the now legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud?

@LittleDrummerBoyLittle

That makes sense, because my great grandfather Dr Hugh Boggs Fraley MD was from Ashland and was a neutral party that fixed the wounds of both sides.

@u47tube

13y

@tacoslammer Hi, thanks for your contact. If that ever happens again, sort out the extra special ones (or ones not available on CD) and...WASH them. It happened to me when a pipe in the apartment burst. The LP covers were pretty much totalled but I simply took dish soap and a tooth brush and cleaned the records under cool water in the bath tub. They sounded better than ever.

@SP330Y

12y↑1

Hi, Ive got a 7 inch vinyl single 45 RPM called, "Sugar Blues" by HAL "CORKY" GREEN'S TOP BRASS, by Carnaby Records of NYC. Its that rare there is absolutely nothing on the internet anywhere about it. The recording studion in NYC 55Th Street 300 W, has long gone, now its apartments. Does anyone know of the history of HAL GREEN??

@u47tube

14y

@markbilldebkevin Hello there, I share your love for this stuff. You can image how thrilled I was as a nine-year-old student trumpeter to hear "Sugar Blues" for the very first time!

@HAJONES152

GREG, Thanks for this, when I first heard GJT play sugar blues he sounded just like McCoy @ 2;35 TO 3:03 on the YouTube.
I wish you & Chris could have heard him in his prime he was very good. >

@u47tube

15y

I sure did read it and I loved hearing about that special experience. Priceless! Thank you for that. Have a wonderful 2010.

@JoshCampbell8395

10y

Thanks for posting this! The version of Sugar Blues I've always heard is one from the post WWII years; I've never searched out the original :)

@u47tube

10y↑1

Thank you, Josh. The best of the holidays to you and yours.

@JoshCampbell8395

10y

u47tube You're welcome; and the same to you :)

@u47tube

14y

Interesting...I never knew that. Thanks for that info. I wasn't a listener of Dr. Demento till around 1976, and then for just a couple years off and on. So, I missed his Sugar Blues closing.

@Pengo115

15y

I loved the Vogue Picture Record version - really cooks, especially the brass at the end!

@u47tube

12y

Hi, wow, three years and this is the first I noticed that. Thank you!

@Carnivorecatherine

14y

They just don't make music like they usta. Love it!!! Thanks for sharing. I sing and we're doing songs from the 20's-the 50's in Februrary. I'm running this by the instrumentalists. We have a really gr8 trumpet player that may know this one.

@u47tube

15y

Thank you, too, my pleasure. Hoping to post some other more unusual trumpet novelties and stuff.

@mbutimeline

Outstanding. Never gets old.

@bluesborn

14y

Thanks u47-funny thing,as soon as I started listening to that "other" version I thought the arrangement,apart from sounding corny,fit more into a 40's vibe. This is cool.

@万照片

I never heard this style of Trumpet. Amazing!

@u47tube

In addition to amazing, I imagine it must be kinda weird too, to hear this type for the first time. If you're interested in other approaches of this style, ones that are not as comical but more bluesy, check out Bubber Miley with Duke Ellington, or check out King Oliver, Hot Lips Page, to name a few off hand. Thank you.

@万照片

No I dont think it's weird. I like instrumental with much skill. Thanks for these recommendation. These are all good.

@u47tube

Yes, even though this style is considered a novelty or comical, it does take great skill. Thank you.

@u47tube

15y

Hi, thanks! Well, Clyde autographed that promo photo for me--NOT!!! Ha ha, no, I found and borrowed that photo at one of the trumpet forums. Not sure if they found/borrowed it too. Yes, I too'd like to know the origin and history of the John Hancock. I'm thinking of posting more trumpet stuff deserving of more recognition.

@Harrietmos

15y

The Capital album cover with the pen, ink and watercolor artwork with the trumpet tucked under his arm is the version I listened to with my dad. It kind of rocked a bit. The big band kicked it out on that one. This second one is kind of boogey woogy. What's the story that goes with the autograph?

@gypsynick

9y↑4

Does anybody have the extended play 45 that clyde put out on the late 1950's?

@markflemmer7993

10y↑3

Wow, I can see why Vox named it's first wah pedal (for guitar) after this guy. Something many guitarists who use a wah pedal probably don't know is that the pedal was designed to mimic a muted trumpet, and wasn't even designed specifically for guitars. I just recently got a used Vox V848 Clyde McCoy reissue wah pedal in great condition (they are no longer in production), and it's the best one I've had (in case you haven't guessed, I'm a guitarist). It got me interested in checking out it's namesake, and I must say that this guy could really make his trumpet talk! The Jimi Hendrix of the trumpet, if you will.

@u47tube

10y↑3

Hello, thanks for chiming in. You can imagine my surprise when only recently I leanrned of the VOX Clyde McCoy pedal! Hey, I'd bet you'd get a kick out of Alvino Rey and his Talking Guitar.

@JoshCampbell8395

10y

u47tube That's right! I remember reading that. Alvino's wife (one of the King Sisters) would talk into a tube hooked up to the guitar somehow, to produce that effect.

@fuzzface8252

10y↑1

No, it wasn't designed to sound like a trumpet. It was an accidental invention. What happened was in 1966, Thomas Organ in Sepulveda California got the rights to make Vox amps for the US market. They slashed production costs by making them Solid State, and on the Super Beatle, there was a switch, the Mid Range Boost switch. The switch cost 4 bucks in 1966, so that had to go.

In November 1966, They tasked a Junior Engineer named Brad Plunkett to remove the switch, and put a 30 cent potentiometer in it's place. So he did, When they tested it, the thing went Wah Wah, Then he put the circuit into a Vox volume pedal housing. basically he turned it from a fixed EQ boost into a sweepable EQ.

After a while Joe Barnon the CEO of Thomas Organ came around to see what was going on, and when he heard it his exact words were "That sounds like a Clyde McCoy Wah Wah trumpet thing!" Originally Joe planned to sell them to the Vox Amplifonic Orchestra, but Del Casher, who worked for him stepped in and convinced Joe that it was a guitar pedal. So they sold it for guitar, but Joe did pay Clyde to be able to use his name and likeness on the bottom of the pedal. That was the beginning and the end of Clyde McCoy as far as the wah wah pedal was concerned.

@u47tube

10y

Fuzz Face Great, interesting info there, thank you.

@markflemmer7993

10y↑1

Fuzz Face Very interesting---I stand corrected. I was reiterating some inaccurate info I read on the internet---my bad. After reading your post, Fuzz Face, I read several articles from different sources, and according to all of those you are correct. I don't usually buy into half-baked stories---this is a bit humbling. At least I had the part about it (accidentally) sounding like a muted trumpet right. I had actually read that the idea was to mike various brass instruments (not just the trumpet) through the pedal, and use it to simulate the mute, obviously using your foot in place of your hand for the mute action. I also heard that using it with organs/keyboards was considered. It appears that someone RECOGNIZED the muted trumpet sound in the device, even though that's not what it was designed for, and then Plunkett figured out how to convert it into a pedal form for hand-free use. Thanks for educating me!

@u47tube

15y

And thank YOU. It's my pleasure, indeed.

@u47tube

14y

@bluesborn Well, someone's got to do it! Again, thank you and thank you for subscribing. I'll do my best to post as time and energy and inspiration permits. And I definately am inspired now, thanks to you. Let's see...I've been meaning to do Raymond Scott's "The Toy Trumpet." Hmmmmmmm...

@u47tube

14y

@kcmt01 My pleasure, would love to hear your band playing this!

@u47tube

13y

Thank you, on behalf of Clyde!

@u47tube

14y

@Harrietmos Hi, thanks! Well, Clyde autographed that promo photo for me--NOT!!! Ha ha, no, I found and borrowed that photo at one of the trumpet forums. Not sure if they found/borrowed it too. Yes, I too'd like to know the origin and history of the John Hancock. I'm thinking of posting more trumpet stuff deserving of more recognition

@u47tube

13y

Hi and thank you. Great suggestion! Let me see what I can do. Perhaps "Limehouse Blues" as an encore!

@u47tube

15y

I see, thanks. I had known about the Vogue label from France who recorded Chet and Clifford and Lucky Thompson, etc, in the '50s. I'll check out the YouTube on this. Thanks again.

@nathanw57

10y

The other (1931) version is actually a modern group, The London Pops Orchestra.

@u47tube

+Nathan Wilensky Haven't heard that one. The one I mention is I think some school band.

@sallyferree9104

Nobody did this as good as Clyde McCoy! ❤️🎶❤️

@mikepercival8702

Plain and simple. End of sentence. Thank you.

@BUNGULCHANNEL

5y↑1

Wah effect was found first time in this song.

@u47tube

5y↑3

Hi, thanks for your comment, but the Wah goes way back to King Oliver and Bubber Miley during the early '20s. But Clyde McCoy did it like no one else could!

@u47tube

14y

@cathyulrichify Thank you, Cathy, good luck with February and I enjoyed your lovely New Year singing.

@u47tube

15y

@sladedude44 Hi and thanks. That reminds me, I really have to get to posting some of the more obscure trumpet recordings I may have.

@BiblicalMumblings

8y↑4

Nice growl.

@bluesborn

14y

@u47tube You're a man on a mission that I can definitely get next to. Nice that you're giving these old gems the respect they deserve and "setting the record straight" I'm a subscriber now so I'll check in from time to time.

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