NPR just ran an article on this particular tune today. Talked a bit how it's pertinent to today. NPR also covered other artists who, uh, covered this, including Bing Crosby, George Michael and Tom Waits (among others). Yet, this is the one that stands out most to me.
While I agree that Jolson's version is much more impassioned, I don't believe that Rudy tried to come across as still "high hatting" it - so to speak. Remember both he and Eddie Cantor (and many other stars of the day) lost alot of money in the Stock Market Crash as well. I feel he maybe recorded it this way to to lift the spirits of the Depression Weary Americans. Just my thought.
He makes the song sound happy and playful with his voice, instead of run-down. Al Jolson had a more true American troubled times expression in his voice. This guy sounds more like he's wining and dining and having a grand time in this song, he didn't really get the true ambiance in it...
@180DegreeMason It's precisely the bit that made it popular, so much so that, after he was elected president, Roosevelt censored it as it went against the "optimistic tide" of the New Deal, though, ironically it had been the unofficial "hymn" of his campaign.
What a heartfelt rendition by Rudy! With a real unemployment rate of 22.75% according to financial analyst Bob Chapman we're not far of the Great Depression rate of 25%. At least during the Great Depression our industrial base was intact to allow for a recovery. At this time our manufacturing might has been almost entirely transferred overseas. Welcome to the New World Order.
@romanbrough We send China and other countries electronics and high-end manufactured goods. The U.S. currently has by far the strongest manufacturing of any nation; we outproduce the runner-up, China, by more than 40%. America specializes in high-end stuff + luxury goods; China specializes in cheaper mass production, which is why most Walmart products are 'made in China.' Our economy isn't intrinsically weak. It's just poorly regulated, hence vulnerable to speculation (e.g., the housing crisis).
@robbymvb name one "electronics and high-end manufactured goods" that the U.S. produces. I'd also love to know where you came up with the 40% number. With almost 10% of our population unemployed and most of our manufacturing skills exported, I'm not seeing how thats possible.
The words to the song are the same no matter who sings it, but Tom Waits voice make his version seem most like how it must have been!!
madablast 1 month ago
NPR just ran an article on this particular tune today. Talked a bit how it's pertinent to today. NPR also covered other artists who, uh, covered this, including Bing Crosby, George Michael and Tom Waits (among others). Yet, this is the one that stands out most to me.
Sonneilon6 2 months ago
I like this version the best
HumbleFishStix 3 months ago
While I agree that Jolson's version is much more impassioned, I don't believe that Rudy tried to come across as still "high hatting" it - so to speak. Remember both he and Eddie Cantor (and many other stars of the day) lost alot of money in the Stock Market Crash as well. I feel he maybe recorded it this way to to lift the spirits of the Depression Weary Americans. Just my thought.
ASACurator 5 months ago
He makes the song sound happy and playful with his voice, instead of run-down. Al Jolson had a more true American troubled times expression in his voice. This guy sounds more like he's wining and dining and having a grand time in this song, he didn't really get the true ambiance in it...
180DegreeMason 5 months ago
@180DegreeMason It's precisely the bit that made it popular, so much so that, after he was elected president, Roosevelt censored it as it went against the "optimistic tide" of the New Deal, though, ironically it had been the unofficial "hymn" of his campaign.
Cough1961 3 months ago
Thank You, Flizank for your kind Comments. :-)
ASACurator 7 months ago
I don't think I've seen an amateur video on YouTube where images have so greatly enhanced a song. Well done and thank you.
Flizank 7 months ago
Was released as Columbia 2725-D
Recorded: 10/27/32
ASACurator 9 months ago
What year was this recorded? '31? '32?
archer1949 9 months ago
What a heartfelt rendition by Rudy! With a real unemployment rate of 22.75% according to financial analyst Bob Chapman we're not far of the Great Depression rate of 25%. At least during the Great Depression our industrial base was intact to allow for a recovery. At this time our manufacturing might has been almost entirely transferred overseas. Welcome to the New World Order.
ddkoda 1 year ago
I enjoyed this very much, it reminds me of my dads stories of the depression and the old movies I would watch late at night.
RRmike51 1 year ago
Most Western countries are living beyond their means. Is a real crash inevitable?
Chinese send us all kinds of stuff, various pllaces send us oil.
Just what do we send them?
Can the USA really just spend it way out of all its problems?
Brillian song.
romanbrough 1 year ago
@romanbrough We send China and other countries electronics and high-end manufactured goods. The U.S. currently has by far the strongest manufacturing of any nation; we outproduce the runner-up, China, by more than 40%. America specializes in high-end stuff + luxury goods; China specializes in cheaper mass production, which is why most Walmart products are 'made in China.' Our economy isn't intrinsically weak. It's just poorly regulated, hence vulnerable to speculation (e.g., the housing crisis).
robbymvb 8 months ago
@robbymvb name one "electronics and high-end manufactured goods" that the U.S. produces. I'd also love to know where you came up with the 40% number. With almost 10% of our population unemployed and most of our manufacturing skills exported, I'm not seeing how thats possible.
iwantthisfuckingname 8 months ago
My favorite version.
lobo81865 1 year ago 10
AMERICANA ...
IbizaNino75 1 year ago
The slideshow and song capture the depression era to a tee. Thank you for posting it.
cowperian1 1 year ago 3
Thanks for you kind comment, and glad you enjoyed the video
ASACurator 2 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this great video of one of the best songs ever and your astute comments.
Kind67 2 years ago