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.
It Must Be Love
jack hylton & his orchestra Lyrics
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Must be jelly 'cause jam don't shake like that
Oh, mama, you're so big and fat
At first glance, these lyrics may seem offensive and derogatory towards women, specifically towards body shaming. However, it's important to understand the context and meaning behind them.
The song was written and released in the early 1940s, a time where the jazz and swing music scene was tightly intertwined with dance culture. The lyrics can be seen as a playful and flirtatious way to compliment a woman's dancing skills. The phrase "must be jelly 'cause jam don't shake like that" is actually a common jive expression used to describe someone's fantastic dance moves. The line "Oh, mama, you're so big and fat" can be seen as a playful exaggeration of the woman's curves.
It's also worth noting that the song was performed by Jack Hylton & His Orchestra, a British dance band with a reputation for performing upbeat and playful songs. In that context, the lyrics can be seen as inoffensive and harmless, meant to be taken in good fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Must be jelly 'cause jam don't shake like that
There's something about the way you move that's so unique and irresistible, it can only be magic.
Must be jelly 'cause jam don't shake like that
Your rhythm is so special and compelling, it defies explanation and can only be understood as pure talent.
Oh, mama, you're so big and fat
You have a powerful presence that commands attention and makes people naturally gravitate towards you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: J. Chalmers Mac Gregor, Sunny Skylar, George Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind