No, VTMCompany, he would be incorrect to change the speed. According to the key signature of my printed copy, and a test with a chromatic pitch pipe, this is within a quarter semitone of correct. Victor's studios had very nearly standardised on 78.26 rpm by the introduction of electrical recording in mid-1925, and there were only infrequent accidental variations thereafter. The bat-out-of-hell tempo of this is correct: modern players aren't accustomed to it!
"The Charleston" was inspired by the song of the same name, 'hartnell', written by James P. Johnson and originally featured in the 1923 Broadway production, "Running Wild". By 1925, Paul Whiteman recorded a wildly successful version of it, and it became THE dance of choice in ballrooms, dance halls, school socials, and parlors...
One of Bestor's first recordings, and one of Victor's first "Orthophonic" (electrical) releases, even though the label doesn't mention it. It does, however, suggest "For best results, use Victor Tungs-tone needles"; on a standard "horn player", that particular needle made the record sound a little better. The legend, "Orthophonic Recording", wasn't printed on the labels until late '25.
was there just one song called the charleston that became a dance type or did people all try and mimic the song and ride off the back of the other song? this is a little confusing.
No, VTMCompany, he would be incorrect to change the speed. According to the key signature of my printed copy, and a test with a chromatic pitch pipe, this is within a quarter semitone of correct. Victor's studios had very nearly standardised on 78.26 rpm by the introduction of electrical recording in mid-1925, and there were only infrequent accidental variations thereafter. The bat-out-of-hell tempo of this is correct: modern players aren't accustomed to it!
AusRadioHistorian 1 year ago
we love this, but suggest a slower rpm rendition at 76.59. thanks.
VTMCompany 2 years ago
I have a copy of that disc i havent pulled it out and spun it for a while. thanks for motivating me :)
kinura26 3 years ago
"The Charleston" was inspired by the song of the same name, 'hartnell', written by James P. Johnson and originally featured in the 1923 Broadway production, "Running Wild". By 1925, Paul Whiteman recorded a wildly successful version of it, and it became THE dance of choice in ballrooms, dance halls, school socials, and parlors...
fromthesidelines 3 years ago
One of Bestor's first recordings, and one of Victor's first "Orthophonic" (electrical) releases, even though the label doesn't mention it. It does, however, suggest "For best results, use Victor Tungs-tone needles"; on a standard "horn player", that particular needle made the record sound a little better. The legend, "Orthophonic Recording", wasn't printed on the labels until late '25.
fromthesidelines 3 years ago
Terrif!
Mr1920s 3 years ago
That's kinda crazy.... I've had this tune running through my head all day, and now I find that you posted it. Thanks! Love it!
davortho10 3 years ago
was there just one song called the charleston that became a dance type or did people all try and mimic the song and ride off the back of the other song? this is a little confusing.
hartnell114 3 years ago