Sold Date: October 14, 2023
Start Date: October 7, 2023
Final Price: $87.50 (USD)
Bid Count: 7
Seller Feedback: 743
Buyer Feedback: 0

Here's PAUL WHITEMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA with the quintessential number of the entire "Roaring 20s," "CHARLESTON." Written in 1923 by Harlem piano master James P. Johnson, with lyrics by choir master Cecil Mack, this tune conjures up John Held Jr. Sheiks and Flappers, Model T's, bootleg hooch, wild parties and all the trappings that make that decade the prime destination for all latter-day Time Travelers.  

Whiteman's 1925 record came somewhat late in the "Charleston" craze - it had been recorded by other bands on other labels - but just in time for Western Electrical recording!  It's a potent bit of Whoopee, with a gleeful arrangement, and a "Hot-Cha" vocal, which makes audible the flailing and crossing of arms, hands and feet essential to the "Charleston" dance.  A winner of a performance! 

The flip side, "HONEY, I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU" is a nice, peppy fox-trot - but you'll never listen to it!  

This original 1925 early electrical "Bat Wing" Victor 19671 is in nice V++ condition:  a little bit of wear, a certain patina and a few scratches, but essentially a clean copy.  

CONTEMPORARY ILLUSTRATIONS by JOHN HELD Jr.  - Nobody depicted the "Charleston" craze with more dash! 

*****

These records come from my private collection, which I have been accumulating since 1967, and now am downsizing!  My highest priority in these eBay auctions is to give you the best possible idea of a record’s true condition and aesthetic value.  I always post at least four clear images, showing the record fore and aft, a close-up of the label, and the whole disc, warts and all.  If my purple prose won’t cut it, the pictures will!  Shipping is done with expert care. Your record will brave Media Mail in a stout corregated box, between four sheets of cardboard and a couple of “packers.”  I hope you are amused by these descriptions, and by the quality of service being offered.