RCM Productions

Spike Jones and His City Slickers perform "Pass the Biscuits, Mirandy".

Chris Cross and crew sing "I Wanna Be a Fireman".

Harry Langdon lip syncs the title song and interacts with models.

Louis Armstrong performs with Nicodemus on this Soundie from 1942.

Ancestors of music videos, YANKEE DOODLER, ROSIE THE RIVETER, and DEAR ARABELLA were made during World War II for coin-operated jukebox devices found in restaurants, bars and train stations. On built-in glass screens, they projected 16mm films of artists performing popular tunes. These examples, although not in perfect condition, are time capsules of their era.

The Bronco Busters perform "Silver Spurs."

Soundie featuring June Richmond (vocals) and Roy Milton performing "Hey Lawdy Mama."

Dorothy Dandridge and band perform "Cow-Cow Boogie".

The Bronco Busters perform "Old Chisholm Trail."

Whitey's Lindy Hoppers at their best along with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performing for this "Hot Chocolate" musical short.

Musical short starring Spade Cooley.

An early "soundie" in which Dorothy Dandridge & Paul White sing "A Zoot Suit with a Reet Pleat" while getting dressed up for a big date.

In this Soundie, the Mills Brothers sing the title song to a cut-out image of Dorothy Dandridge, which then comes to life and dances for them.

Dona Drake sings "Sticks and Stones".

Ozzie Nelson takes us along for a typical day for a bandleader.

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra perform "Bli-Blip" with Marie Bryant and Paul White

Tex Williams and Spade Cooley's Western Dance Gang sing "Take Me Back to Tulsa".

Comedic musical short featuring the Hoosier Hotshots.

Johnny Taylor sings "Good Nite All" at a house party.

A little music from Lynn Albritton, Lou Ellen and The Harlem Cuties.