It is another important date
on the Shady Dell calendar.
Today we remember and
honor Margaret Schneider,
precious child of the Dell.
Blessed with longevity,
Margaret earned the
nickname The Oldest
Living Dell Rat as she
approached and then
passed the century mark.
Margaret died three years ago
at the age of 105. Last month
as we celebrated Margaret's
108th birthday, I posted three
old songs that Margaret might
have known during her years
as a young adult. Today, as
we remember Margaret on
the date of her death, I'll
play three more songs I
play three more songs I
think she would enjoy.
JOHNNY MATHIS
It's hard for many of us to believe that easy listening balladeer Johnny Mathis
will be 85 later this year. Time marches on. Johnny built a career on singing
romantic pop standards. In 1958 Johnny had a top 20 hit with "A Certain
Smile," the title song from the 1958 dramatic film that stars
Rossano Brazzi and Joan Fontaine.
As Johnny sings the song and we remember
Margaret, seen here on the right at age 16,
let's enjoy this video montage containing
portraits of the past - reminders of how
women and girls presented themselves
in the first half of the 20th century
when Margaret was young.
"A Certain Smile" - Johnny Mathis
(July 1958, highest chart pos.
#14 Hot 100/#15 Cash Box,
from July 1958 film
A Certain Smile)
(July 1958, highest chart pos.
#14 Hot 100/#15 Cash Box,
from July 1958 film
A Certain Smile)
THE BOSWELL SISTERS
In last month's birthday tribute I introduced The Boswell Sisters,
a popular jazz vocal harmony trio of the 1920s and 30s.
The Boswells are back today to perform another
song that reminds me of Margaret.
"The blues" is derived from the blue devils. If you are beset by a fit
of the blue devils you are despondent, depressed and feeling hopeless.
That, I believe, is the correct interpretation of the word Devil in the
song "Shout, Sister, Shout!," the B side of a Boswell Sisters single
released in 1931. The singing sibs remind us how to beat the Devil
and put the blues on the run, and it's a lesson Margaret Schneider
also taught: Don't dwell on your problems, betrayals and losses.
Shout Hallelujah, come on get happy. Rise up. Celebrate life.
Keep your spirit way up high,
Look up to the sky
Stand up and shout "Hallelujah
If that old Devil should grab your hand
Here's one thing that he can't stand
Shout sister, shout sister, shout!
"Shout, Sister, Shout!" - The Boswell Sisters
(1931, B side of "Roll On, Mississippi, Roll On")
THE BOSWELL PROJECT
To end this tribute to Margaret on another happy note, I present The Boswell Project,
a vocal trio from Adelaide, Australia. Inspired by the music and style of the original
Boswell Sisters, this fine group features vocalists Louise Messenger, Kylie Ferreira
and Valeska Laity. In the following video The Boswell Project covers "I'm Gonna
Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter," a standard first popularized in 1935
by Fats Waller and a top 3 hit the following year for The Boswell Sisters.
"I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter"
- Boswell Sisters cover by The Boswell Project,
Aug. 2017 (Boswell Sisters version
reached #3 in 1936)
I hope you enjoyed this musical tribute to
Margaret Schneider... and I can't help
hoping that she did, too.
Yours was a long life and a life well lived, Margaret.
We love you, miss you
and will remember you always.
A moment of silence for dear Margaret.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending lots of hugs to Kathleen and her family, as well as to you dear friend. May today be filled with peace and light.
A beautiful tribute and these songs fit her so well. Wow, Mathis will be 85 this year!? Time certainly does fly. I think the Boswell Sisters add a beautiful touch to Margaret posts - beautiful melodies for a beautiful woman.
I hope you find peace and comfort today, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteThank you for coming over early to pay your respects to Margaret Schneider. I appreciate your heartfelt comments and am happy that you enjoyed the musical offerings as we observe the third anniversary of Margaret's death. As you can see, The Boswell Sisters inspired the 21st century Australian retro act The Boswell Project, a talented trio that does a fine job of imitating the sound and style of the original 1930s sister group.
Thanks again for coming and for the sweet words of comfort, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady,
DeleteHow are you holding up today? Have you chatted with Kathleen lately? I hope she's holding up too.
It's so nice that some new artists are bringing back the oldies and goodies. The Boswell Project is amazing and I love listening to them throughout the day.
Have you ever watched Jessica Vill's channel? She recreates the 50s and it's really neat to see a 25 year old so interested in a certain time period. I love watching her channel.
Have a great Thankful Thursday, dear friend!
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteWow, Jessica Vill really is lost in the Fifties, isn't she? It always fascinates me when a young person is drawn to a particular time period, especially the mid 20th century when I was growing up. She's a fine singer, too.
Yessum, I agree it is encouraging to find new generations of singers and musicians keeping the very old music alive, the stuff from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. You can count on Shady to bring you more of The Boswell Project when the Aussie ladies produce more high quality videos like the one I found for Margaret's tribute.
Happy TT to you as well, dear friend JM, and thanks again for coming by!
Hi Shady,
DeleteWhen I was a teenager, I was drawn to the Civil War period. I did everything around that time period. I look back at those photos and wow! I used to go to Civil War enactments each year, then it became 2012, then 2016, and I was going to go this year, but will have to wait until next year. Maybe 2021 I'll start the trend of yearly again. LOL!
I enjoy Jessica Vill. The 50s are a fun time period, especially with the food. I love looking through old cookbooks from that time period. I might have to try making some gluten-free. :) Ambrosia always fascinated me, LOL! My parents just say, "ewww, no! We remember our relatives making that when we were growing up and we'll pass!"
Woohoo! I can't wait for you to post more. I enjoy when you post these projects and seeing newer talent. It always gives me hope.
Have a great weekend, dear friend!
Thank you, Jessica Marie!
DeleteMrs. Shady is a Civil War buff, and I have also been interested in the period ever since I went with my cub scout troop to tour the Gettysburg Battlefield. I still recall climbing on the boulders on the roundtops and Devil's Den. We have seen the film Gettysburg about a dozen times and highly recommend it.
It's cool that you found cookbooks of the 50s and are considering making GF versions of the dishes you find in them.
Thanks for coming and have a safe and happy weekend, dear friend JM!
Hi Shady,
DeleteGettysburg is one of my favourite movies. :) Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave have a cabin in Gettysburg, but I haven't been there in 10 years. Maybe once all this COVID stuff settles and if I go with Aunt Kathy. I'd like to see how it has changed since I was last there. The town itself is really quaint. There used to be a nice tea room there and I want to see if it's still there.
I try to make a lot of things gluten-free and when I find equivalents, I am ecstatic. I found the equivalent of Froot Loops today and they're so good. :)
Have a happy and safe Sunday, dear friend.
Thanks, Jessica Marie!
DeleteI'm happy to know someone your age takes an interest in the American Civil War, has seen the epic film Gettysburg and loves the movie as much as Mrs. Shady and I do. (Mrs. S. has a crush on Sam Elliott, the actor who played Brigadier General John Buford.)
I believe it has been 60 years since I last tasted Froot Loops, but I ate them often as a boy. :)
Thanks again for coming to chat, dear friend JM, and have a safe and happy week ahead!
Lovely tribute, friend Shady. Am not in Bloggerland these days as am working much. Stay healthy, stay well. Much love, cat.
ReplyDeleteHi, cat!
DeleteThank you very much for coming down for Margaret even though you are away from blogging during these difficult times. I'm glad you liked this year's tribute to Margaret, The Oldest Living Dell Rat, a woman who set the finest example for all of us to follow.
Please stay safe and healthy, dear friend cat, and thank you again for your service to the community!
Johnny Mathis is 85, YIKES. I have not seen his picture in years, so it more startling to think of what I remember as a young man with the beautiful voice at that age. The video montage you put together for Margaret is lovely. This would have made her very happy. It was also fun to watch the Boswell Sisters.
ReplyDeleteHi, Arleen!
DeleteThank you very much for being on hand for another of my tributes to the precious child of the Shady Dell, Margaret Schneider, as we mark three years since her passing.
Yessum, I too keep in my mind an image of Johnny Mathis as a young entertainer during his peak years when he crooned his tunes on all those music variety television shows. I cannot claim credit for that video montage in "A Certain Smile". It is the work of the YouTube uploader. I recently found that video and knew it would be ideal to use in one of the posts honoring Margaret. I'm glad you also appreciated the 1930s song by The Boswells.
Please take good care of yourself, dear friend Arleen, and thank you again for your kind visit and comment!
Hi Shady. This is such an enjoyable tribute to Margaret, and I wonder what she thought inside when it was established that she is the "oldest living Dell Rat"! I'm sure she knew something of the Dell's dances and treats for the young, even after years of being away from there.
ReplyDeleteMargaret had quite a life of so many ups and some downs, and grew into a lovely lady with many talents and great stories! And, you serve to keep her life alive with your wonderfully colorful walks down Margaret's memory lane.
It seems like I remember you posting a number by the Boswell Sisters some time ago, because one of them could not walk, and they were able to cover or keep the condition at a minimum as they performed. Those girls were soulful and full of pep, and I liked the "Shout, Sister, Shout" number and video. "The Boswell Project" is also a great video. They put a lot of effort into this one, but the talent is clearly there. I remember the song from my childhood, and this group certainly did a great job with it.
Johnny Mathis is so smooth, isn't he! I don't know "A Certain Smile", but it is his usual great style. Although the video is unusual, I liked seeing the styles from days ago. Those ladies really had a lot of hair and different hairdos!
This is one of the best tributes anyone could give, Shady. The young photos of Margaret and her family are always nice to see. You are a master at keeping the soul and love of the Dell and its family alive.
We have one more final exam today, and, our little Scootie graduates 5th grade on Thursday, YAY! Thank you for this beautiful tribute. Have a great week, dear friend! ♫
Hi, Suzanne!
DeleteThanks for being here for Margaret again this year, dear friend! I hope you and master Scootie had a nice holiday weekend. I am grateful that you found time to visit in the morning before he takes his final exam. I wish him well. I will never forget the feeling in early June of the school year knowing that all of the tests were behind me and the entire summer stretched out ahead.
Thank you for the compliments about this tribute for Margaret. As I recall she was proud of the fact that she earned the title "Oldest Living Dell Rat" and appreciated the attention on my old blog, but could never fully understand why so many people on the "inner-net" made a fuss over her. Margaret's humility was part of her charm and helped explain why so many people loved her.
I introduced The Boswell Sisters in my birthday tribute for Margaret on April 18. That's when I posted about the best known of the sisters, Connee Boswell, who was stricken with polio and sang from a wheelchair. Eventually Connee left the group for a solo career and went on to be recognized as one of the greatest jazz female vocalists of the 20th century and a major influence on Ella Fitzgerald. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed The Boswell Sisters doing "Shout, Sister, Shout" a fabulous flip side of one of their 1930s singles. I am also delighted that you enjoyed the modern day Boswell tribute trio performing "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter." As you might recall, the version of that song Boomers remember best is the top 3 charting 1957 hit by Billy Williams backed by the Dick Jacobs orchestra. I am also pleased that you liked the slideshow in that Johnny Mathis video containing portraits of vintage early 20th century women.
Congratulations to Scootie for graduating 5th grade, and thank you again for making time for a visit and comment. Stay well, keep your chin up, shout, sister, shout, and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Suzanne!
Here I am! I have been more and more crippled and need my "jolt juice" as I call it. They are finally open so I hope to get in in the next couple of weeks. I love this tribute to Margaret who is smiling for sure, tapping her foot and wondering why all the fuss is about her. At least, that is what I am thinking. I loved seeing the old actresses form the teens and twenties. I have seen all these photos but have a hard time to name them. I saw Myrna Loy, Clara Bow, Maude Fealy and Mary Pickford but I can't name the others. He did have a silky voice. I love these sisters who are so good and loved the way they slowed the rhythm right down...so cool! The last song was great and I enjoyed the camera style of trying to show it as one continuous motion. Have a beautiful day and stay safe!
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteI see you gave me a two-fer again this time, dear friend. Thanks for coming to check out my previous post and for being here to experience this year's salute to Margaret Schneider as we observe the three year anniversary of her death.
I would like to think that I made Margaret smile with this tribute and selection of songs. She had the sweetest smile. Thanks for naming some of the actresses of the silent screen and early talkies shown in the Johnny Mathis video. I'm also pleased that you enjoyed the song styling of the radio stars who also appeared in motion pictures, The Boswell Sisters. Thanks for noting the camera work and long, continuous, real-time sequences in The Boswell Project's "Letter" video. As a film buff I'm sure you appreciate how challenging it was to get that footage in the can.
Thanks again for being here again this year for Margaret Schneider, a fine lady we loved and admired so very much, and one we miss terribly. Stay safe and sound and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend BB!
Good afternoon my friend. What a lovely remembrance for Margaret. Love the smooth tones of Johnny Mathis. Hope you and the Mrs. are doing well. We are having a hot spell here. I'm having computer issues for some reason today and it's no fun. Particularly frustrating as I have some work to do. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Hi, Janet!
DeleteI'm excited to see you, dear friend! Thanks for coming over to take part in this memorial tribute for Margaret Schneider as we remember and honor her on the third anniversary of her death.
I'm happy to know you appreciated the post and the smooth vocals of easy listening balladeer Johnny Mathis doing his top 20 hit from the summer of 1958, the title song from the Joan Fontaine movie A Certain Smile.
Oh no! I'm sorry you are having computer gremlins today, especially when you have work to do. That makes me all the more thankful that you were able to get over here to write a few kind words for Margaret.
I hope there is soon a break in your hot spell. Thank you again for being here on this important occasion, dear friend Janet. Stay well and I hope to see you again soon!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman, my friend! I know Margaret would be so honored with this fine mewsical post. You shared two great oldies from her era as well as the modern vintage-style female singers from Australia who are fabulous. They mimic that old sound quite well. Margaret would be pleased as punch with these young gals from the land down under. I shall look forward to meeting you one day on the other side, dear Margaret. May you rest in peace!
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteIt was very nice of you to stop in once again during your hiatus and pay your respects to Margaret. Thank you, dear friend!
I'm especially pleased that you enjoyed The Boswell Project, the female trio from the Land Down Under, doing their version of a song waxed in the 1930s by the original Boswell Sisters. I am delighted that you enjoyed the other mewsical numbers as well.
You expressed a sweet sentiment in wishing to meet Margaret on the other side. Thank you again for being a great friend and showing how much you care about Margaret. She was one of the biggest inspirations of my life and I will remember her always.
Thanks again for your kind visit and comment, and enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Cathy!
I spotted a few movie stars in that Mathis video. Myrna Loy for sure, but also, possibly, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish, and Clara Bow. I wouldn't bet money on it, but I think I saw model and actress Evelyn Nesbit, who was quite famous in her day. If I'm right about Nesbit, instead of Johnny Mathis, maybe some ragtime music should have been playing in the background (all you E.L. Doctorow fans out there should get that one.)
ReplyDeleteThe Boswell Sisters. I'm going to have to learn more about them. I see those girls worked with a young Bing Crosby. I guess they were predecessors to The Andrew Sisters, who sang chorus for Der Bingle on a number of recordings (including a 1955 version of "White Christmas" that appeared on a best selling album of the same name.)
Another winning tribute to your friend Margaret.
Hi, Kirk!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in, good buddy! I am delighted that you could join us for this year's tribute to Margaret Schneider, the Child of the Dell who went on to become known as The Oldest Living Dell Rat.
Thanks for naming some of the actresses pictured in the Johnny Mathis video for "A Certain Smile." I browsed pictures of Evelyn Nesbit and do believe she is included in the montage. I also needed to do some homework and learn about Evelyn's connection to E. L. Doctorow. Turns out Doctorow, one of the most important American novelists of the 20th century, wrote the 1975 historical fiction novel Ragtime which was made into a movie in 1981. Evelyn Nesbit is one of the late 19th/early 20th century celebrity characters in the book. Evelyn's hubby, a mentally unstable multimillionaire named Harry Kendall Thaw, shot and killed prominent architect Stanford White. In the resulting court case, referred to (pre O.J.) as the "Trial of the Century," Evelyn testified that White had sexually assaulted her when she was in her mid teens.
Yes, by all means, read more about the Jazz Age and Swing Era sibling act The Boswell Sisters, Kirk. Wiki sez: << The trio's "unique singing style and ground-breaking arrangements fused 'blackness' and 'whiteness' in music," and their collaborations with "the preeminent white swing musicians of their day—the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw—had a profound effect on the development of the big band sound in the 1930s." >>
You always bring new information and learning opportunities with you in your comments, Kirk, and I appreciate that. Thanks again for coming over for Margaret Schneider. I'm glad you like the tribute. Stay safe and well, good buddy!
Such a lovely tribute to a lady who lived an extraordinary life in times that would challenge many but seemed to form who she was. I loved reading about her from her daughter, Kathleen. The photos above are so sweet. The songs you chose were perfect for her time and I bet she would have loved them today. I'm sending out hugs to her family and to her friends from the Dell. Thanks for sharing her with us on this anniversary. Take care Shady and stay safe and healthy.
ReplyDeleteHi, YaYa!
DeleteI'm very happy to see you, dear friend! Thank you for being here again this year as we celebrate the life and mourn the death of our wonderful old friend Margaret Schneider.
Yessum, Margaret was no stranger to tough times, and she endured life's many challenges with a great attitude and a sense of humor. I wish Margaret were still with us so that she could view this post and let us know if she remembers The Boswell Sisters or any of the women in the Johnny Mathis video. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the pictures of Margaret early in her life as well as those taken with loving family members in her later years.
I hope things are breaking better on your side of the screen, YaYa. You are long overdue for some positive developments. I continue to think about your mother and sister and, of course, you and the rest of your family. Thank you again for coming by, dear friend. Stay well and remember how grateful we all are for dedicated healthcare professionals like you!
I enjoyed hearing Johnny Matthis crooning again! This was a lovely tribute to a lovely lady. Also enjoyed seeing the vintage photographs. All very beautiful women. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sherry!
DeleteI'm pleased to see you, dear friend! Thanks for coming by this week and writing a few kind words for Margaret Schneider three years after her death.
Yessum, I agree that Margaret was a lovely lady inside and out. I'm glad you enjoyed the pics of her and the slideshow of vintage portraits in the Johnny Mathis video.
Thank you again for being here, dear friend Sherry!