Paper Doll 1942
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.
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.
Louis Armstrong performs with Nicodemus on this Soundie from 1942.
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra perform "Bli-Blip" with Marie Bryant and Paul White
R.C.M. Soundie
Johnny Taylor sings "Good Nite All" at a house party.
Musical short starring Spade Cooley.
Soundie featuring June Richmond (vocals) and Roy Milton performing "Hey Lawdy Mama."
Harry Langdon lip syncs the title song and interacts with models.
Dorothy Dandridge and band perform "Cow-Cow Boogie".
"Let's Scuffle" is a short subject -- a single song-and-dance number -- that appears to have been cut from a feature-length movie: to be precise, a 'race film'. (This was the term used by American cinema exhibitors in the 1940s and earlier for any movie with an all-black cast, intended primarily for distribution in black neighbourhoods at a time when many American cinemas were segregated.) The song-and-dance performer here is none other than the great Bill Robinson.
Kay Starr singing "Stop That Dancing Up There".
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.
Dona Drake sings "Sticks and Stones".
Chris Cross and crew sing "I Wanna Be a Fireman".
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.
Ozzie Nelson takes us along for a typical day for a bandleader.
Spike Jones and His City Slickers perform "Pass the Biscuits, Mirandy".
The Terry Twins with Jerry Browne & His Orchestra perform "Chiquita Banana."
Comedic musical short featuring the Hoosier Hotshots.
Tex Williams and Spade Cooley's Western Dance Gang sing "Take Me Back to Tulsa".