RCM Productions

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.

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.

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

The Bronco Busters perform "Silver Spurs."

Dona Drake sings "Sticks and Stones".

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

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

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

Kay Starr singing "Stop That Dancing Up There".

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 "Old Chisholm Trail."

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

The Terry Twins with Jerry Browne & His Orchestra perform "Chiquita Banana."

Original Schnickelfritz Band perform "Turkey in the Straw."

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

Yvonne De Carlo sings herself to sleep, in her dreams she dances with a Latin dancer. She awakes to sing again.

R.C.M. Soundie

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

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