How Green was my Valley is supposed to have been based on the Morgan family as immigrants. Don't know if that is true but my parents were personal friends of his so I presume they would know.
Russ Morgan came from Scranton Pennsylvania where his father was a coal mine foreman. Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey are also from that state. Russ was born in 1904, the same year as Jimmy & one year earlier than Tommy. The Dorsey's father, Thomas Sr., worked in the coal mines as well. Russ played in bands alongside Tommy & Jimmy and when Russ left a band Tommy replaced him on trombone. As well as trombone, Russ could play piano, sing & arrange. When he died in 1969, his son Jack took over the band.
Masterful as usual for the era (not a sarcasm and in point of fact, a postive comment) as the usual vocal by the maestro himself.Originally a Pennsylvania coal miner.
How Green was my Valley is supposed to have been based on the Morgan family as immigrants. Don't know if that is true but my parents were personal friends of his so I presume they would know.
lovejoytaytay 1 year ago
Russ Morgan came from Scranton Pennsylvania where his father was a coal mine foreman. Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey are also from that state. Russ was born in 1904, the same year as Jimmy & one year earlier than Tommy. The Dorsey's father, Thomas Sr., worked in the coal mines as well. Russ played in bands alongside Tommy & Jimmy and when Russ left a band Tommy replaced him on trombone. As well as trombone, Russ could play piano, sing & arrange. When he died in 1969, his son Jack took over the band.
Edwin572 2 years ago
Great information, thanks for sharing!
pax41 2 years ago
He called himself "The old coal miner"
Agoonatach 3 years ago
A pretty talented coal miner!
pax41 3 years ago
Masterful as usual for the era (not a sarcasm and in point of fact, a postive comment) as the usual vocal by the maestro himself.Originally a Pennsylvania coal miner.
SteveCarras 3 years ago
Was not aware that he was a coal miner. Thanks for the info.
pax41 3 years ago