Jack Hylton was born in Bolton on 2nd July 1892. He came from a working class background and, as a boy, would accompany his father on the piano when he sang in clubs. He also performed at an early age as the "Singing Mill-Boy" and as a relief pianist for various bands.
His early career was as a relief pianist in the 400 club and with the Stroud Haxton Band. After the first world war he went on to play with the Queen's Dance Orchestra where he wrote arrangements of popular songs and had them recorded under the label 'Directed by Jack Hylton.' He went on from here to form his own band.
The band started recording under Jack Hylton's name in 1923. Jack became a respected band leader and was in great demand, so much so that he had to provide bands simultaneously in various locations under his own name. In the 1920s (Babyin' You 1926) the band developed into an orchestra and had a busy schedule. It toured America and Europe and continued until the 1940s when the orchestra disbanded due to members being called up for war service. Jack was also director of the DECCA record label. All Of Me (Decca Recording)
At this point Jack Hylton's career was already moving towards that of an impresario discovering new stars and managing radio, film and theatre productions from Ballets to Circuses. His productions dominated the London theatres with such productions as "The Merry Widow", "Kiss Me Kate" and "Kismet".
When I'm calling you (from the musical Rose Marie).
Some of the stars he managed, appeared in his productions or discovered were Shirley Bassey, Maurice Chevalier, Ernie Wise, Eric Morecambe, Arthur Askey, the Crazy Gang, George Formby, Diana Dors, Thora Hird, Liberace, Noel Gordon, Sid James, Rosalinda Neri to name but a few.
Run Rabbit Run. (A recording by Sid Buckman and Arthur Askey)
Jack later went on to work in TV as the Advisor of Light Entertainment for the new ITV channel. He worked in this role until 1959 and was producing stage productions at the same time. Here he was able to promote his stage discoveries on the television as TV stars. He was instrumental in organising various Royal Command Performances and continued supporting theatre productions until his final stage production "Camelot" in 1965.
If I Had A Talking Picture Of You
Jack Hylton & His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would run it every time I felt blue.
I would sit there in the gloom of my lonely little room
And applaud each time you whispered, "I love you; love you."
On the screen the moment you came in view
We would talk the whole thing over, we two.
I would give ten shows a day,
If I had a talking picture of you.
The lyrics of Jack Hylton & Sam Browne's song "If I Had a Talking Picture of You" express the singer's desire to have a motion picture of his beloved. The singer imagines himself watching the picture every time he feels down, and applauding every time his beloved speaks, "I love you; love you." He then goes on to say how they would watch the movie together and converse about it, and how he would give multiple shows a day if he had it.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and loneliness, as the singer yearns for a way to be closer to his loved one. The idea of a talking picture was a relatively new phenomenon at the time, so the lyrics can also be interpreted as a reflection of the excitement and novelty surrounding new technological advancements.
Overall, "If I Had a Talking Picture of You" is a song that captures the emotions of infatuation and longing, while also showcasing the fascination with new technology during the early 20th century.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a talking picture of you,
If I possessed a motion picture with sound capturing your voice,
I would run it every time I felt blue.
I would play it each time I feel sad or melancholic.
I would sit there in the gloom of my lonely little room
In my sad and solitary chamber, I would remain seated.
And applaud each time you whispered, "I love you; love you."
While hearing you softly speak the words 'I love you; love you,' I would cheer and clap.
On the screen the moment you came in view
As soon as you appeared on the screen,
We would talk the whole thing over, we two.
We would conversate about everything that transpires within the movie.
I would give ten shows a day,
I would offer ten exhibitions per day,
And a midnight matinée,
Including a late-night showing,
If I had a talking picture of you.
All because of my wished possession of a motion picture with sound capturing your voice.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEW BROWN, BUDDY DESYLVA, RAY HENDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peggyrobertson8214
I love listening to the old 78's. This one's just about within the decade that many of the "Greatest Generation" (WWII Vets) were born - including my Dad, who would've been ten years old when this was released. I can visialize him listening to the radio, and how he might have responded in a silly way (as 10-yr. old boys often do) to this song. Maybe singing, in his beautiful, off-key voice, to his Mother.
I have a memory of just such silly behavior, when I was in my early 20's which would put Dad at about 56 years old. The latest Linda Rondstadt song, "Blue Bayou" came on the car radio. I was a fan of hers, and sang along. Obviously, Dad was a fan, too, because he also started singing along. But for the very last chorus of the title, Dad (indicated he felt the song was too short and should have had another chorus) instead sang: "that Flew By You!" His silly, playful side was a joy to experience for all us kids, and a great way to raise kids that would not take themselves too seriously in this life.
I miss him and, of course, look forward to embracing him when I, too, meet Our Maker in Eternal Life.
@onearmy942
What a wonderful comment, God bless you.
@steves7896
I'm in much the same boat, about my dad, as you. I hope your day is blessed today Peggy.
@anthonyfrew1571
Talking pictures were new in 1929, a fine recording from this band leader, helped by the great Sam Browne
@Trombonology
The mighty Hylton orch's was certainly one of the best treatments of this grand number from one of De Sylva-Brown-Henderson's finest scores.
@tooleyheadbang4239
Hylton was on top form in '29. Listen to those endings...
@brucemercer8458
Super version of this evergreen gem! Thank you...
@countryalexander7175
Wonderful tune!
@OLD_SOUL1900
Love it so!!! Best version to me! My thanks for posting!
@SteveStalzle
A fabulous quality recording.