Benny Goodman & Lionel Hampton Stealin Apples

[hoot6theyre]

ONLY TIME DANNY KAYE IS TOLERABLE

[ylfriends]

Does anyone know where I can get this particular version of "Stealin' Apples"? I found all the other versions but this one

[Omnicron4735]

Lovely!

[Thundermonkeyms]

I need a lead sheet for this tune, can someone direct me to one? Its not in the realbooks.

[AntoineDCoolette]

@Thundermonkeyms We don't use any music, professor.

[Thundermonkeyms]

@AntoineDCoolette ...I probably should have seen that coming. ^^"

Looks like its transcription-time.

[PierreaSweedieCat]

They don't make 'em like that any more! Too bad.

[jjam3774]

I loved this film when it came out. wish I could see it now.

[gcahn2]

@jjam3774 It plays on Turner Classic movies fairly regularly.

[Thundermonkeyms]

Lolol

"Benny Goodman? Never heard of him."

[OuranHighLover123]

Can't believe 8 people dislike this!!!

[yago2br]

@OuranHighLover123 maybe cause of the video quality... no cause of the music... is one of the greatest solos of hamilton that i have seen in a video

[yago2br]

@OuranHighLover123 maybe cause of the video quality... no cause of the music... is one of the greatest solos of hampton that i have seen in a video

[Samthemuffinman]

I wish jazz was this easy to learn.

[violinistx100]

@Samthemuffinman It may be hard, but it's great fun to play! :D

[LiliumNightShade]

Zeke Zarchy, Wilbur Schwartz,Chummy MacGregor,Bennys brother Harry Goodman, Arnett Cobb,Milt Hinton,and a thousand other side men that made all those old records great.

[cool45010]

You know, I just realized something: Lionel Hampton sounds a lot like Chris Rock when he talks. I knew he sounded like someone familiar.

[shawfifty]

@cool45010 I would think Chris Rock sounds like Hamp.

[pandafatxXx]

WOW AWSOME in those days Talented Musicians played without music, these days Musicians play without Talent :P

[UmbrellaFitzgerald]

do you think the black man sold them the marijuana?

[josiah566]

mm mm Powell on the box!

[MrMLD72MLD]

♥ .

[neoman91661]

Anyone know the name of the tune the classical trio is playing? Seems to be pretty nice before Danny Kaye interrupted.

[jhwaldo]

@neoman91661 The trio being performed is the 3rd movement of Beethoven's Trio op. 11 in B flat for clarinet, cello, and piano. It's a great piece!

[jhwaldo]

@neoman91661 The trio being performed is the 3rd movement of Beethoven's Trio op. 11 in B flat for clarinet, cello, and piano. It's a great piece!

[prostyle408]

8 people had their apples stolen

[chettmansberger]

@prostyle408

Very well put! How could anyone not just revel in this musical treat, with some of the most talented artists of those days? This clip (as well as the whole silly & fun movie) is a total gift. Those eight people should just listen again and enjoy... that's been music's entire purpose, since it's existed! All the best, and thanks for a great comment!

P.S. Look up "Zeke Zarchy" on YouTube, and you'll be in for a treat. My Dad played with all the musicians in this clip &more

[leettaarkills]

Both of the Dorsey brothers Jimmy and Tommy, had an anger problem. They fought with each other on a regular schedule.. LoL everytime they played together. Look them up! its interesting reading. Goodman had "made it" at the time of the movie. the dorsey brothers were to busy fighting to make it! Maybe its the "irish " in them? No offence peeps..

[dulkoski]

@leettaarkills That's like saying Goodman made it because he had the 'jew' in him... Come on, man

[leettaarkills]

@dulkoski No it isnt. Like it at all. I didnt say a damn thing bad about anyone... do you know any irish men? they pride themselves in their abilty to fight. and most of us "admire" them for it. . dont be a ass and read into it. It is not a racist statement. you made it one and that pisses me off... get your feelings off your shirt sleeve and stop looking for reasons to cause strife. People who look for racism have it in their hearts,., so they acuse the rest of us as the same.

[leettaarkills]

@dulkoski Ill also add that being jewish doesnt have a damn thing to with being a musician. but fighting? well now that can hold up a career. as it did in the dorsey brothers case. that was my point.

[Saero13]

Whats the name of the movie?

[ceejay11111111111111]

@Saero13 A song is born

[Littlewhitelephant]

It's exuberant and well done but not impromptu as they want to make us believe. But enjoy and smile.

[edwardconway27]

Goodman is a genius musician!

[Lambstf]

WELL BENNY GOODMAN USED TO!

[Bellerophon2200]

this is truly the heart of improvisation.

[TaylorTheClarinetist]

benny goodman looks good with a mustache

[JuiceJase]

I love the ironicness of the scene 'Benny Goodman? Never heard of him' hahaha but damn dude could play a mean clarinet, Squidward should've taken lessons off this guy haha.

All of the guys in this movie are amazing players.

[In4cus]

@JuiceJase HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!! I don't know Squidward probably would have told Benny that he was doing it wrong!!

[chettmansberger]

Check out the Zeke Zarchy Movie - he played with all of these gents as a sideman. Clips from all of them.

[local802blues]

Great stuff

[Pug1949]

Just plain GREAT!

[chettmansberger]

Fabulous!! My Dad, Rubin "Zeke" Zarchy, played with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw,  Tommy Dorsey, and so many others. By all accounts, Benny was a wonderful man, and Dad remebered him fondly. We lost him at the age of 93 last year, and even when he couldn't remember many things, he still remembered Benny (Google his interview for a treat). Thank you for a wonderful video!

[61vanilla]

LaNG-LeVe:LiONELL !@HaRTiG HaPJE

LoVe THiS MuSiC_DUEL OF BeNNy & LiONeLL.....

[skitrees]

100% pure and natural GENIUS!! (no water added)

[jrb51055]

Finest Kind!!!!!!!

[artbychristine]

This is a remake of a Barbara Stanwyck / Gary Cooper film "Ball of Fire". In it - the "new music" is a performance of "Drum Boogie" featuring Gene Krupa" - NOT to be missed - amazing!!!

[myraj34dd]

When was this movie made?

[joehop1505]

black history moment all together makg music

[valvetrom]

Smile to my face

[waynedanberry]

0:23 He's apt to be A little to SQUARE!

[garrettmillerdrums]

@waynedanberry Benny Goodman? I've never heard of him....

I crack up every time.

[tumsabai1]

@garrettmillerdrums

You need to study music history!!!!

[garrettmillerdrums]

@tumsabai1 Genius. Benny Goodman is the actor playing the Professor in this scene and what I wrote is exactly what he says. Pay attention.

[BlackDeevil666]

shit reminds of Tom & Jerry :D

[waynedanberry]

It is a corny movie, but look past all that an watch any scenes were there is music and you will be pleased, like the one with Buck and Bubbles as window washers, that guy (Buck) could play the piano!

[Reinocerous25]

this movie is great.

[bernardberkhout]

people will still be watching this hundreds of years from now. Goodman is god-like! Every note so well placed and heavenly timed! I've heard this piece thousands of times. It's BG's zenith!

[DexRok]

its benny goodman's acting that turns this from a good scene to a great one. the uncertainty in his eyes, the way he keeps looking to other people for reassurance, just brilliant!

[dwsere]

The drummer was Gene Kruppa

[garrettmillerdrums]

The drummer was Louis Bellson.

[chettmansberger]

Want to really have some fun? "Look up the Zeke Zarchy Movie" (an interview done on my Dad, who passed at 93 this year). He played with every one of these fabulous gents as a sideman, and loved them all. If you've got about 6 minutres, you're in for a treat!

[andyxfish]

mel powell's hand were ridiculous. outstanding!

[peptikon]

marvelous band leader, you don't get them like this anymore nowadays

[Zrandrid]

Such a corny movie but I absolutely love it...

[hbdavew]

Benny Goodman, The Grateful Dead, Earl Scruggs, Black Sabbath, Ravi Shankar, Dizzy Gillespie.....

I love them all.

[neoman91661]

If only playing jazz were that easy.

Go Goodman!

[alamoman444]

wow look at young Danny Kaye!

[ciroalb3]

giants!

[orepse81]

The Drummer (according to the IMDB) was Louis Belson.

[garrettmillerdrums]

Also according to the front of his bass drums.

[MARKMANIATT]

For me the greatest piano player that ever drew breath!!!!

[bigfishcatcherdw]

First time I've seen Mel Powel play. Can anybody tell who the drummer is? I can't tell if its Krupa.

[irish89055]

about the time this film came out Goodman decided to learn classical clarinet styles, had to learn to play differently, even had his calluses removed..

[DexRok]

i can't find a copy of this damn movie anywhere?

anyone got a lead for me?

[bostonbruinsfever]

Try Amazon or Ebay

[rducky01]

Lionel Hampton is such a cool cat!

[nallo69]

Such a lovely version of Stealin´ Apples!

[HappiViewer]

A Song is Born (1948) Stars Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo.

[dacheat343]

I've gotta buy this movie! what's the name of it?

[ComicSaxProductions]

makes me smile.

[Eisherman]

Thanks!!! It's great!!!:-)

[Bubbahyde90]

This is a great movie. You will never see a line-up of artists like this again. Also love the double take by Louis Armstrong.

[nogyogyasz]

Fantastique ;-)

[Ieewren]

this is wack!

[kevinyomofo]

Wack? you don't know shit. Benny goodman and hamp are awesome

[sunsetarts]

I get a kick out of the part where Benny asks Danny Kaye if he'd ever heard of Benny Goodman!

[spike6060]

ok i guess nobody,s knows tommy dorsey,charlie barnet, @ louis armstrong

[BrunoJazzmanLeicht]

Lovely clip, finest swing, and a truly amazing lineup.

Please heck out my little jazz & swing blog, if you like. See you there.

Peace,

Brew "Hampman" Light

[bostonbruinsfever]

WOW thanks for posting this.

[jazmaan]

Mel Powell was in BG's short-lived "bop" band with Wardell Gray and Fats Navarro. They recorded this song "Stealin Apples".

[spurtong]

How seet it is (sorry Jackie).

[1930302]

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!love it

[acedrumminman]

These guys swing so hard it's ridiculous...nice brushes with young Louie Bellson.

[flagros]

A cornball movie that I can watch over & over!

[joetighe]

Swaaaangin!

[ritade45]

I think Goodman discovered Hampton and he definitely played with Goodman in the Benny Goodman Trio. Some great sounds there.

[rmo52]

Mel Powell was such a great piano player. I met his daughter a few weeks ago in Fairmont, MN while playing there with the Glenn Miller Orch. She told wonderful stories about her Dad.

[Chemiecta]

Did Lionel Hampton ever play in Benny Goodman's Big Band?

[c4rv3r]

Of Course he did!:)

[shrinkprof]

He played drums(!)with the Goodman big band. He started out as a drummer.

[MisterGoulash]

You're right,Hampton started out as a drummer.

But that was long before Benny Goodman had his first bigband.

Hampton played the drums with Paul Howards Quality Serenaders in the late twenties.

There are great recordings witch also feature the young Lawrence brown on trombone.

[katamonim]

I used to go to all these movies. I wish they would have a film festival of them somewhere instead of all the "modern" sludge

[shy182]

ça rocks

[55westend]

Why is BG himself not in this scene?

[PrettiBoy]

He wasn't playing Benny Goodman in this movie, he in all actuality is playing a square who plays just classic. Well, I shouldn't say a square, but thats the term that they used in the movie. This movie is my fav as far the caliber of musicians they had in this movie. Its ridiculous.

[swangonce]

TD and BG had a history of sparring that went back at least ten years.

They were rivals and competitors in the mid 30s for top band in the country. Both had huge egos and Dorsey was a hot head anyway.

Lively times!

[jcghooker]

I like the extended 1947 version of "Flying Home" near the end of the movie. (Please post it) The band on the soundtrack was actually Lionel Hampton's

[4205lr]

Apparently Dorsey had become irritated by Goodman's continual lateness on set. Onw day he grabbed Goodman who retaliated by calling Dorsey a five letter name(?) and kicked him. Dorsey took a swing at Goodman and Armstrong broke it up. Benny left the soundstage and went home. He said he didn't fight back because "I'm no pugilist." Poor movie but great playing by all involved.

[rbgtr]

There's another scene where Goodman waggles his eyebrows at Dorsey in a closeup while he's playing. You can see Louie Armstrong laughing while Dorsey looks like he's just going along with it. The movie, "A Song is Born," was a sendup of "Great Balls of Fire," with Barbara Stanwyck.

[4205lr]

Goodman and Dorsey nearly came to blows while filming this scene.

[folkwisdom]

I'm fascinated...pleae tell me more.

[jgrab1]

@4205lr Don't know the story here specifically, but many people nearly came to blows anytime they were in a room with Tommy Dorsey. And Goodman wasn't always the most even-tempered person in the world either.

[739335]

¡Fantastico!

[reloda]

Watch Danny kaye, ne's past acting, genuinely enthralled

[djmontag]

excellent

[footcandy]

Awesome!!

[jim30bell]

This is one of my favorite scenes from this movie. Benny Goodman does a great job of acting...as well as playing the clarinet.

[mickeymike2001]

The King Never dies.. as long as we have these snipets of film. The last time I saw Benny was on a TV show in Toronto in the '70 when he played with the Boss Brass with a Fletcher arangment of Stealing Apples.. He'd lost a lot of his flair but none of his heart! I bow to the King..hehehe.

[Leviticus89]

What gets me is the way they start and stop this song, he says the line "alright guys lets steal some apples" and in less than a second there ALL playing as if the song had been going on for a few mins. and when they end, its almost as if the song never happened cause they stop on such and odd note and beat, just almost pinting out how good these guys are, all in all these guys are amazing and ive seen this movie before, kinda cheezy but really worth it

[cdadave83814]

What really slays me is how EASY these guys make it look. I'd be thankful for 1/100th of the talent of these guys.

[davinata]

Bring back Swing, I say.

[Morahman7vnNo2]

When It Comes Back You Can Say "Hooray!"

[hugleberthumperdink]

was that louis armstrong?

[sweetaliena]

yep

[odietarceo]

:) x 1,000!

[eclipsepmint]

WOW!

[livingaragtimelife]

Who is the pianist? Marvelous clip, thanks!

[JosephNScott]

"Who is the pianist?" Mel Powell. He played on and sometimes composed or arranged many of Goodman's best '40s recordings, and he was also in Glenn Miller's classic, thoroughly recorded '44 lineup. When Mel got to record as a leader for the Commodore label in about '42, Benny Goodman showed up to play as a sideman, something he rarely did for anyone by then.

[Noren1260]

Thanks so much for posting this. This kind of stuff formed the basis of my love of jazz.

[ttharold]

This is just wonderful stuff! My folks were kind of square, I guess, so in the 70s when everyone else was getting turned on, my folks played Benny Goodman. I've fallen for Lionel Hampton in recent years, and I'd really love to try something like this with a small combo using harmonica in place of the clarinet. Thanks for posting this!

[bubba9166]

I was lucky enough to meet Lionel Hampton backstage when he and his Big Band played Wiesbaden Kurhaus back in 1985. What a great musician, what a wonderful man.

[clskmstg]

A rare clip of BG having some humor.. even if it was scripted. Louie Bellson on drums - brilliant.

[ludwig222]

Not Louie , Gene Kurpa

[clskmstg]

I beg to differ... yes, Gene played with Benny most times.. .in this movie, that's Louie.

[ludwig222]

Yes your correct. That's Louie, but the track you hear IS Gene. Louie does not play like you hear in the sound track.

[ludwig222]

Damn...I was wrong ! Just got the movie on dvd and YES its Louie playing drums not Gene.

Shows how great Louie was playing gene's style.

[folkwisdom]

I would love to get the DVD.

Can you tell me how to buy a copy?

Thank you so much...in advance

[scott54555]

I did a google search and found 1 copy. Can't remenber what web site. I just got lucky.Good luck!

[betteroffsingle]

oh what memories. I saw this movie in NY as a kid, maybe 9 or 10. Right after the movie, the Goodman band could be heard, and the stage started to come up.

Live shows back then after movies. And I jumped on stage to meet BG and shake hands.

[tanmanclan]

good ol' times.. when music was made to make people happy..

[SwingMan1937]

I haven't seen it as yet offered on DVD. I know I taped my copy off of TCM in 1998 or so - you might want to keep an eye on their schedule.

If you're up to a nice hunt, there are 3-record 78rpm album copies out there of the soundtrack of "A Song Is Born" (Capitol label). "Apples" is a BG vehicle, but on the album set, Benny's backed by a bop group featuring Fats Navarro, among others! Wierd and cool at the same time!

[jimraw1]

The movie is called "A Song is Born." The plot is terrible (Virginia Mayo is on the lam and hiding from gangsters at this group of music professor's place) - But the Music! Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Mel Powell, Charley Barnet, Lionel Hampton - and of course Benny Goodman in disguise - can't be beat.

As far as I know, it hasn't been reissued on DVD, just VHS, except for a foreign import, so be patient, or watch AMC or late night tv.

[sterlingturk]

haha, "Benny Goodman, i've never heard of him." hahaha

[Walterg5305]

Love it. What movie was this from. I would like to get a copy

[funstuff2006]

'A Song Is Born' Starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo, along with a who's who of the swing scene.

[paulowil11]

muito divertido.

[ZPants]

does anyone know, is this film out of production/print?

[sweetaliena]

do you have other clips of that movie?

[folkwisdom]

I have the video at home...as yet not digitised...when I get some time in coming months may get it happening. Great movie, you should try and track it down on dvd...if you do let me know please. cheers

[ludwig222]

I just got the movie on DVD. And yes it is Bellson on drums !

[coolerdude111]

it sounds slightly faster and at a higher pitch than the video that was posted before. Is this the correct/original speed/pitch it's supposed to be?

[UltraMN]

I dunno, but It's in a tough key to improvise (I tried). Perhaps it's being played one half step too high?

[divvy1400yam600]

I think you are right. It comes out in "E" on my piano so I rather suspect its in "E flat"

Absolutely marvellous and whatever the key I would never be able to play it, not at that tempo sob.

[ABrandsma]

Funny film and great swing music. Thanks for posting.

I once saw this film on TV.