In the 1920s and early 1930s Whiteman dubbed himself The King of Jazz (see: Jazz royalty). Much of what his band played hasn't been considered "true" jazz by later generations. Others reject these notions, and regard Whiteman's music as an interesting development in jazz history. He recorded Hoagy Carmichael singing and playing Washboard Blues to the accompaniment of his orchestra in 1926.[1]
While today most fans of jazz consider improvisation to be essential to the musical style, Whiteman thought the music could be improved by scoring the best of it. Modern revisionists might look back & say "that wasn't the True Jazz", but his notions were critically popular and commercially successful at the time. Whiteman's music was often the first jazz of any form that some people heard.
Duke Ellington wrote in his autobiography: "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity."
Whiteman commissioned George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, which was premiered by Whiteman's Orchestra with Gershwin at the piano in 1924. Another familiar piece in Whiteman's repertoire: Grand Canyon Suite, by Ferde Grofé (much of which was used in the score of A Christmas Story).
Whiteman appreciated jazz musicians and hired many of the best white jazz men for his band, including Bix Beiderbecke, Frankie Trumbauer, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Steve Brown, Mike Pingitore, Gussie Mueller, Jack Teagarden, and Bunny Berigan. Whiteman gave them constant chances to improvise, paid them top salaries and encouraged them to make small band jam recordings on the side.
Paul Whiteman was primarily responsible for revolutionizing the dance orchestra and dance music after World War I. Prior to that time, dances were played by military bands, string ensembles, or small combinations. Working in 1918-19 with arranger Ferde Grofé and in parallel with fellow San Francisco bandleader Art Hickman, Whiteman introduced the saxophone section as a musical unit of equal weight with the brass. This set a standard for instrumentation that defined the dance orchestra, and remains in big bands to this day. Before Whiteman, musical arrangements were very cut-and-dried, with much repetition. Whiteman and Grofé introduced arrangements that instead of repeating, changed keys, textures and rhythms over their course, much like symphonic music. This innovation, combined with the jazz elements mentioned above, plus his insistence on using top notch, concert-calibre musicians, made Paul Whiteman's orchestra a vanguard force that changed the face of popular music in the 1920s.
Whiteman was also one of the greatest of all talent scouts. For over 30 years, he sought out and encouraged musicians, vocalists, composers, arrangers and entertainers who looked promising. It is worth repeating that Whiteman not only premiered George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" in 1924, but commissioned him to write it, much to Gershwin's surprise at the time.
Both Bing Crosby and Mildred Bailey got their start singing with the Whiteman Orchestra.
In 1931, Whiteman married motion picture actress Margaret Livingston.
After he disbanded his Orchestra, in the 1940s and 1950s Whiteman worked as a music director for the ABC Radio Network. He also hosted several television programs and continued to appear as guest conductor for many concerts.
Paul Whiteman died at the age of 77 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
When
Paul Whiteman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why should ev'rybody pity me,
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin',
they dance till break of day
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Takes me back there where I belong
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
The lyrics of Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra's song When It's Sleepy Time Down South evoke emotions of nostalgia, homesickness, and a longing for the comfort of home, especially when one feels isolated and alone in a bustling city. The singer expresses a sense of melancholy and weariness, and wonders why everybody should pity him when he is feeling down. The fall of the night signals a time of singing and dancing, but the singer cannot join in the festivities. Instead, he is reminded of his Southern home and the dreamy and enchanting songs that evoke fond memories of where he belongs.
The lyrics of When It's Sleepy Time Down South aptly convey a theme of identity and belonging. The singer yearns for the comfort of his hometown, where he longs to be reunited with his family, especially his mammy, who can hold him tight and provide him with a sense of belonging. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the trumpet solo that punctuates the chorus, adding to the overall mood of wistfulness and longing.
Overall, the lyrics of When It's Sleepy Time Down South express a deep-seated need for comfort, camaraderie, and belonging, as one navigates the challenges of being alone in a big city.
Line by Line Meaning
Homesick tired All alone in a big city
Feeling a deep longing for familiar surroundings and exhausted from being isolated in a bustling metropolis
Why should ev'rybody pity me
Questioning the sympathy of others and maintaining a sense of self-sufficiency
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin',
As the day comes to an end, the sound of music and laughter fills the air
they dance till break of day
People joyfully dance all night long until the sun rises
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Nostalgic feelings towards the southern region of the United States and its sentimental music
Takes me back there where I belong
Reminisces the sense of belonging and home that is perceived in the southern states
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
Expressing deep yearning for the comfort and warmth of a motherly embrace
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Titled refrain of the song, suggesting a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere in the south during the night
Lyrics © OTIS RENE PUBLICATIONS, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Clarence Muse, Leon Rene, Otis Rene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smurfswacker
This great song will be forever associated in my mind with the BBC "Lord Peter Wimsey" series, which used it as a theme. Love the arrangement.
@splinterbyrd
It's not a song, but yes I remember Wimsey on Radio4; ultimate kool.
@banjostewart
@splinterbyrd it is a song, there are several versions on Youtube if you are interested.
@bgh8904
@Stewart Hyde What are you on about its not a song?
@banjostewart
@B gh , "When day is done" is a song, with lyrics. There are are also instrumental recordings of the melody.
@jojobacon
Can one be nostalgic for an era long before one was born? If only modern music sounded like this!
@michaelhunt1579
Clever of someone to have heard and lifted the 3rd(?) variation for use as the theme to BBC Radio 4's Lord Peter Wimsey series. Perfect for the period setting of this Dorothy L. Sayers' gentleman sleuth.
@davenicholas1946
A superb melody from the 20s a wonderful era
@Corrie121
What beautiful, beautiful music. I am ecstatic listening to it. Thanks a million for sharing this.
@JTrost1234
Excellent. Brings back memories. Very moving. When music was at its peak.