It is another important date
on the Shady Dell calendar.
Today we remember and honor
Margaret Brown 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 six years ago
at the age of 105. Last month
as we celebrated Margaret's
111th birthday, I posted old
songs Margaret might have
known in her youth. Today,
as we remember Margaret
on the date of her death,
I proudly present five
more songs of the past
that I think she'd enjoy.
1934/1951
Margaret is age 22/39.
VINTAGE DOLLS
Meet and greet The Vintage Dolls, a Hungarian vocal trio that performs swing
music of the 1930s and 40s. In 2018, they appeared on Danube TV's Family-
Friendly Magazine and sang the jazz standard "East Of The Sun (And West
Of The Moon)," a song composed in 1934 when Margaret was 22 years old.
It was introduced by the Princeton University Triangle Club theater troupe in
its production of Stags at Bay. The song was first recorded that same year
by Hal Kemp. Versions were later released by Tommy Dorsey with vocals
by Frank Sinatra, by Sarah Vaughan, Benny Goodman, Stan Getz, Louis
Armstrong and many other artists including The Andrews Sisters. Their
1951 version is the one that the The Vintage Dolls will now cover.
Here are The Vintage Dolls - Lili, Eszter and Ágnes - in a live
TV performance in Budapest, singing "East Of The Sun."
"East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon)" - Vintage Dolls
(June 5, 2018, perf. in Budapest on Duna (Danube) Media Service
(Hungarian PBS) television show Family-Friendly Magazine)
1930/1950
Margaret is age 18/38.
THE BARN-ETTES
Up next, The Barn-Ettes... another modern girl group that specializes in
music from The Great Depression and WWII years. On their YouTube
channel, The Barn-Ettes describe themselves as "the UK's leading
wartime and vintage harmony group." The English sparrows
are here to help remember and honor Margaret by singing
a song written in 1930 when Margaret was age 18 and
introduced by Ruth Etting in The Nine-Fifteen Revue.
The song is most associated with Judy Garland who
performed it in the 1950 MGM film Summer Stock.
Here now are The Barn-Ettes and-- "Get Happy!"
"Get Happy" - The Barn-Ettes
(May 2019)
1922/1936/1942
Margaret is age 10/24/30.
THE BARN-ETTES
Written, originally recorded and released in 1936 with the title "Weed Smoker's Dream,"
the blues and jazz-influenced pop standard "Why Don't You Do Right?" is considered
a classic "woman's blues" song. One of the best known versions was recorded by
Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman in 1942 and featured the following year in the
movie Stage Door Canteen. Right off the bat, the song's lyrics mention
1922, the year Margaret was ten years old:
You had plenty money, 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right, like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money too
The Peggy Lee - Benny Goodman single was a million seller and the
inspiration behind this authentic encore performance by The Barn-Ettes!
"Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)"
- Peggy Lee/Benny Goodman cover by The Barn-Ettes
(Oct. 2020)
1964
Margaret is age 52.
THE JIVE ACES
Now here are The Jive Aces, who describe themselves as "The UK's No.1 Jive
& Swing band bringing you the finest in hot jazz, smooth swing and rockin'
rhythm and blues since 1989!" The band will perform a song first waxed
in June, 1964, and released as a single by Nat King Cole. Here now are
The Jive Aces with the Bert Kaempfert - Milt Gabler ditty- "L.O.V.E."
"L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole cover by The Jive Aces
(Jan. 2016)
1936/1954
Margaret is age 24/42.
THE JIVE ACES
Finally, as we think about Margaret today and miss her
so terribly... let's remember the words to this song:
Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
It's the song based on the instrumental theme used in the soundtrack of the
1936 Charlie Chaplin film Modern Times. In 1954, Nat King Cole recorded
the first version with lyrics. Here again are The Jive Aces with-- "Smile."
"Smile" - The Jive Aces (Dec. 2015)
I hope you enjoyed this year's tribute to Margaret Schneider
as we observe the 6th anniversary of her death.
Yours was a long life and
a life well lived, Margaret.
We love you... miss you...
and will remember you always.
It looks like I'm the 1st one here! Wowzers!! I hope Margaret's children see your blog. I love all these songs and know them well. I bet Margaret has a huge smile on her face. My dad was a year younger so he, too, grew up with all these songs. I'm glad you picked 1964 since that's when I was born. Yup, my dad was 51 when I was born. I bet Margaret's kids were already full grown. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Hope all is going well with you. Harley says Woof!
ReplyDeleteHi, Birgit!
DeleteThis is an historic occasion, dear friend! Not only are you are a Same Day Sally, you are also this week's Early Bird! Thanks so much for coming right over to help me remember and honor our dear old friend Margaret Schneider - The Oldest Living Dell Rat - on the 6th anniversary of her death.
I'm very happy that you know and love all of the old songs in this year's tribute. I hope, as do you, that these vintage ditties, brought back to life by modern singers and musicians, made Margaret smile. Maybe Margaret and your dad are getting acquainted up on Rainbow Bridge.
Shucks, if you were born in 1964, you're a spring chicken compared to old Shady. :) Yessum, Margaret's youngest child, Kathleen Mae, would have been graduating high school in 1964, as I recall.
Thanks again for being first to arrive today and for joining in the celebration of Margaret's long life as we observe the date of her death six years ago.
Woof woof woof to my billygoat buddy Harley. Stay well and have a safe and happy weekend, dear friend BB!
You're always so kind with your remembrances, Shady.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kelly!
DeleteThanks for being here as we observe the 6 year anniversary of Margaret Schneider's death, dear friend! I appreciate your kind words about the special tributes I run twice a year for The Oldest Living Dell Rat, celebrating her birthday in April and this sad anniversary near the end of May. In these two series, you will see and hear quite a few modern retro style Andrews Sisters-inspired singing trios from around the world singing the "oldies but goodies" of Margaret's youth. So, if you enjoy this type of music, stick around.
Thank you again, dear friend Kelly. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend and I'll see you the second week of June!
Sweet Margaret, what a wonderful person she was on earth and will be in heaven. We need more Margarets in this world. I was glad to get to know her through your blog. I give my regards to her family.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was born in 1928 and loved listening to the radio, so I'm sure she knew all these songs. I knew them, all but one, because Mom bought records and played them when we kids were in the house. I also heard these songs through variety shows on TV. We all loved variety shows back then and it was a great place to showcase the singer and music.
I liked seeing and hearing these groups who sing the old songs. The videos were great: amusing, emotional and spot-on. As I was listening to L.O.V.E. by the Jive Aces, I kept thinking I was sure I had heard Dean Martin sing it. I looked and yes, he did. "Smile," is a lovely song and the lead singer was very good. I like his voice. The women trios were really wonderful. I do remember hearing Judy Garland sing it in, "Summer Stock." She was one of my favorite actresses when I was a girl watching her musicals on TV. My favorite movie of hers was, "Meet Me in St. Louis." Back in those old movies, a lot of women sang with simple music that was used in, "East of the Sun." I would guess most songs had quiet background music. Well, I love it and I also love loud Christian Rock music. Lol. Sometimes I have to look up the words online. I would prefer if the music was a little quieter. Have a lovely day, Shady.
Hi, Belle!
DeleteI'm very happy to see you, dear sister friend! Thanks for being here for Margaret again this year as we remember and honor her on the anniversary of her death in 2017. I agree that we need more Margaret Schneiders in this troubled world of ours. Margaret was sweet, kind, generous, wise, funny and a bit mischievous at times. Along the way, she learned that the secret to a long life is letting go of toxic baggage. She didn't dwell on problems, wallow in regret or let setbacks, disappointments and betrayals of the past haunt her in the present the way many of us do. She forgave those who did her wrong and continued to trust and look for the good in people.
Yessum, my folks grew up listening to big bands and pop crooners on the radio. I'm sure they would have known most of these songs as well. As you pointed out, these songs were sung by various artists that appeared on music variety shows of the 1950s and 60s. There were many such TV shows back then, typically hosted by veteran movie or radio stars that millions knew and loved from earlier decades.
Dean Martin could take any song and make it his own, couldn't he? I actually have Judy Garland's Meet Me In St. Louis movie on DVD. I bought it because of the bonus material it includes. You see, I am a Deanna Durbin collector and "completist." I have tried to watch all of Deanna's films, and I even put together a scrapbook devoted to her. On the Meet Me In St. Louis DVD, right after the movie, is the 1936 musical short Every Sunday that starred young Judy and Deanna when they were just starting out in show business and on the verge of becoming stars.
I'm delighted that you enjoyed all of the music acts in this year's tribute and their covers of old songs from Margaret's younger years. Thanks again for joining me to remember Margaret and celebrate her very long life... a life well lived. Have a safe and happy weekend, dear friend Belle!
Nice to know these before-the-rock-era songs are still being performed somewhere. I can't imagine there's much money in doing them so they must be done out of love. I really liked the Barn-Ettes, though that last video from the Jive Aces was rather imaginative. Incidentally, Chaplin himself composed the melody to "Smile". Toward the end of Modern Times, a frustrated Paulette Goddard says (via title card), "What's the use of trying?", which I assume inspired "what's the use of crying?" when lyrics were added by others some 18 years later. And Paulette, as Chaplin's urging, does indeed smile.
ReplyDeleteNice tribute to Margaret.
Hi, Kirk!
DeleteThank you very much for attending the celebration of life presented every year at this time in loving memory of Margaret Schneider - First Child of the Shady Dell.
Yes, good buddy, these days, seems like every Tom (except me) Dick and Harry is covering songs of the Swing Era and the hits of the Andrews Sisters in particular. I have come across many modern, retro-style vintage WWII era girl trios on YouTube and will be presenting more of them in future tributes to Margaret. Some of them belong to entertainment companies that provide show bands for wedding receptions and theme parties. Some are regular performers at local venues, and others are on the road with touring troupes much of the year. They must be making money from it.
I figured you would come through with interesting tidbits about "Smile." Thanks for the extra info. I'm pleased that you got so much enjoyment out of watching these performances of mid 20th century songs by 21st century singers and musicians.
I need to let you know, Kirk, that I am about to take a break from blogging that will last until the second week of June. Starting a couple of days from now, I will no longer be available to reply to comments at Shady's Place, nor will I be making the rounds of friends' blogs. I intend to resume blogging around June 11.
Thanks again for being here for Margaret's special tribute, good buddy Kirk. Have a great weekend and I'll see you when I see you!
Hi my friend Shady! Late but not too late I hope. I remember a few of these, (Smile, Love, Get Happy) but I enjoyed listening to the rest as well. It is so wonderful of you to continue to remember Margaret each year.
ReplyDeleteI see from your comment to Kirk that you are going to take a break for a while. Moving is a big process. I hope it goes smoothly for you and Mrs. Shady and look forward to more music when you get back.
Hi again, dear Janet, and once again, thank you for doing double duty and leaving two comments for me. You are a true blue friend!
DeleteI also appreciate the fact that you like these annual tributes to Margaret Schneider and that you know most of the songs and like all of them.
You don't know the half of it, Janet. Little by little, I am revealing my plans to friends here in Bloggerville. A couple of days from now, I need to take a short break until the second week of June. Please understand if I miss one or more of your posts during that time. On top of that, I will be suspending operations entirely later in June and taking an extended hiatus, because Mrs. Shady and I are moving to another state! There is so much to do, I feel overwhelmed, and certainly can't devote any attention to blogging as we race to get packed, sell this house, move 1,000+ miles away and get settled in. I don't expect to be back on the blog circuit until November. Please don't forget about me, because I certainly won't forget about you. :)
Thanks again for paying respects to Margaret Schneider - The Oldest Living Dell Rat - on this the 6th anniversary of her passing.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend, dear friend Janet!
A very nice tribute. Sorry it too me so long to come over I've had a stomach bug for a few days and haven't been feeling well.
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary!
DeleteYour comment stayed in place this time, dear friend, and that should make us both happy. Thanks for being here again this year for Margaret's special tribute in observance of the date of her passing 6 years ago. I'm glad you like what I put together for her.
I'm sorry to learn that you've had the bug, and hope you bounce back soon. This is goodbye until I see you again in the second week of June. I hope by then you're back in tiptop shape. Take care and thanks again for your kind visit and comment, dear friend Mary!
Although I never met Margaret in the flesh, I loved getting to know her through your blogs. I love and miss Margaret too. It's hard to believe it was 6 years already.
ReplyDeleteThese songs are wonderful and I have no doubt Margaret is enjoying these songs with Nan and David's mom.
Have a great week ahead, dear friend.
Hi, Jessica Marie!
DeleteThank you for coming to pay respects to our dear old friend Margaret Schneider as we mark the anniversary of her death in 2017.
Yessum, seems everyone who met Margaret took an instant liking to her, and she was equally eager to make friends with people who read her stories and left thoughtful comments for her on my two blogs over the years. I will be forever thankful that Margaret came into our lives and was willing and able at her advanced age to share so much information about her early life at the Dell. Yessum, let us keep imagining a happy celebration taking place somewhere over the rainbow and Margaret, Nan and David's mom as besties.
In case you haven't heard, I am signing off at the end of this day to begin a blog break that will last until the second week of June. I hope to return to the blogosphere on June 11.
Thank you again for being here for Margaret this year. Happy Memorial Day, dear friend JM, and have a safe and happy week ahead.
Hi Shady,
DeleteI saw your comment last night. Take all the time you need and good luck! I'll see you when you return.
Thanks for understanding, Jessica Marie. To reiterate, this Saturday, June 3, I will publish a sneak preview of a new series tagged with an announcement that I am on vacation and incommunicado. In other words, I won't be around to reply to any comments or visit other blogs, but it might be fun for you, David and your dad to take a look at my post. When I resume around Jun 11, I will publish one more regular post (Saved By The Dell) followed by another announcement stating that I need to take a five month break until November.
DeleteThanks for being a great friend and understanding that moving back up north after living in Florida since the 1980s is a huge, life-changing event for a couple in their 70s.
Take care, dear friend JM. I hope to see you next month before my long hiatus. If we don't connect with each other at that time, I'll see you in November!
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure Margaret and a host angels gave you a standing ovation with this music tribute to a very special lady. What excellent finds! These all new-to-me modern bands with that great vibe and sound from decades ago are just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed each introduction. I love the name of the first act, Vintage Dolls. Between the two female trio groups they have more of a 40s style to my ear but I do like the Barn-Ettes. My favorite has to be Jive Aces, especially with "Smile" which is precisely what I was did while listening/watching their music video. Well done, my friend! I shall definitely check out these new groups on YouTube a little further. Thanks for dropping by the 4M dance floor yesterday. I sure do appreciate you being apart of the party and I will miss you in the coming weeks as you tend to things on your end. Just know you and Mrs. Shady will be in my thoughts as you take turn the page to create new beginnings elsewhere. Have a boogietastic week! xo
Hi, Cathy!
DeleteThanks for coming over for a look and a listen, dear friend!
I hope "Smile" and the other songs in this year's tribute put a smile on Margaret's face as it did yours. I'm also pleased that you enjoyed all three featured modern retro acts, The Vintage Dolls, The Barn-Ettes and The Jive Aces. There are many such trios and bands springing up on YouTube, and these three are among the very best I've found.
Now I really need to run and suspend operations until the second week of June. In the interim, I will publish a sneak preview of another new series this Saturday, June 3, and tag out of it with an announcement about my short blog hiatus for friends who didn't know it was coming. At the time the June 3 post is published, I will be A.W.O.L., incommunicado, and unavailable to visit anybody or reply to any new comments on my site. I'll return with one more regular post on June 11 (Saved By The Dell) followed by another announcement about my extended hiatus which will probably last until early November.
Thanks again for coming by for Margaret's tribute, dear friend Cathy. Take good care of yourself and hopefully we can connect one last time during the week of June 11 before I fly the coop for the next several months.
I just received your message and I appreciate the head's up about the blog. I have been AWOL but all's is well..just busy! We'll be out of town from the 7th of June until the 12th. I was checking your blog and wondered why it had been a while since you posted and then I missed this important one! You know how much I loved reading about Margaret's life from her daughter, Kathleen. What an exceptional lady and to live such a long rich life that had a huge impact on your life through the Dell. Fabulous songs today and these are one my Mom would have enjoyed too. I can't believe she's been gone 3 years this past May 29th. Hugs to you and Mrs. Shady on your new adventures and a big Heavenly Hug to Margaret and I hope this comment gets to you before your hiatus! Take care Shady and thanks for a lovely tribute post to this dear lady and I'm stealing the love of these songs for my Mom too!
ReplyDelete