Paul Whiteman-"Whispering"

[EmmetEarwax]

Somebody talking in the background?

Reminds me of a very early cylinder recording of "Cujus Animus"(1890) where the opening announcer clears his throat before giving the title and after he's done, he mutters something to the band.

[paul72kate]

Good song - classic 20s. Even so, Al Bowlly's vocal of the same song is the ne plus ultra of this piece.

[ppkwalter1]

I'm 80 y. old. I feel that popular music start dying during WW2 , except in Brazil. Good job bingcrosby1903 .

[MissGoldenDreams13]

@1181slipknot: I would much rather be a nerd listening to this song than be a douchebag writing moronic comments.

[baxter5431]

A great band leader! Even had his own TV show back in the 1950's. Is it just me or does Mr. Whiteman resemble Oliver Hardy: just a bit??? I could see him with a bowler hat and twiddling his tie. And Fred Astaire always reminds me of Stan Laurel, especially when he has on a bowler.

[Zephyrr127]

Great,classic song. Love you, great grandpa

[JWROWE3]

What's sad is that music of this era...post 'ragtime" and before "swing" gets very little acknowledgement. I'm sure most of the master recordings are long lost, but this style deserves it's due.

[FrancisJoseph76]

Great stuff :)

[overandover24]

Jazz is absolutelly great, I'm still impressed on how much great songs i can discover of this excellent genre everyday...THIS SONG IS AWSOME.

[CrazyMusicLover1990]

This song spent 11 weeks at #1 starting the week of October 30, 1920. 90 year old song!

[JeremyPassarelli]

Talking? I don't hear any talking!

[acla9000]

My father has this recording in a RCA double album. Exactly in this arrangement, I remember that! I was 12 when I listened to it for the first time in my record-player. Thanks for posting!!

[jahlaune]

I heard this song for the first time on that movie the shining with jack nicholson. Some where later in life I heard this was a Paul Whiteman song still scares me and makes me think of a ballroom fill of dead ppl and actually its a wonderfully written song!

[BigIronOnHipMan2]

About twenty yrs ago... I was talking about Music to a volunteer Fireman in Califon, NJ when he mentioned, nonchalantly in passing, that Paul Whiteman was HIS GodFather. Well, I was like...TOTALLY impressed & excited...but he...remained rather modestly down-to-Earth. Guess he'd just come to think it was his -- birthright. Dang! PW was th biggest thing in Music back then...sorta like what Lady Gaga is today in 2011. I like modesty in people...

[BigIronOnHipMan2]

I grew up listening to my Father (th Autocrat of th Breakfast Table) play HIS kind of Music. Back then... I accepted it. But today... fifty yrs later... I thank God I saw th light! There's nothing like starting a bright Summer Sunday morning listening to Bing Crosby. BTW... Tommy Dorsey had an excellent version of "WHISPERING" that "Hoboken Bill" would wake up his kids with every Sunday too!

[FoPo4]

Wikipedia:

"By the 1920s the slide whistle was common in the U.S.A., and was occasionally used in popular music and jazz as a special effect. For example it was used on Paul Whiteman's early hit recording of Whispering (1920)."

[FoPo4]

The 2001 film, "The Cat's Meow" about a 1924 murder aboard William Randolph Hearst's yacht plays era music continuously including Paul Whiteman's Whispering. about three times.

Also love the 20's background music on cable TV's "Boardwalk Empire" series.

[heine71]

Could be perfect background music for silent movies.

[grmey78]

This the first recording to sell 1.5 million copies in 1920.

[ifeelnopressure]

Ah, si j'avais un franc cinquante ...

[babs60645]

Love the trombone part in this!

[Bigband78]

Nice clean copy of this old Standard

[nosferatuist]

I L O V E T H A T  M U S I C !!

[rikkersmom]

Great song, and thanks for posting the lyrics! My Dad and I played this song together for many a year (he on fiddle, I on the piano). He passed away in 2000 but I finally found another fiddle player to accompany me who knew it. Love it!

[WAMEDJO]

It's worthier listening to Duke Ellington !

[dizzzzler]

This is the tune that Dizzy Gillespie used the harmony from when he wrote "Groovin' High"

[MegalopolisFilms]

I love the Americana Clessic Jazz Orchestra's rendition of this exact arrangement, recorded in Minneapolis for a demo CD in 2008. I played banjo. We had a musical saw play the slide-whistle solo.

[deancook652]

My favorite part is the slide-whistle solo...I wonder if Whiteman played it? They're darn hard to play in tune.

[gatemarzipan]

:)

I'm smiling so big right now!

My grandma who lived with me while I was growing up, and passed away just after turning 100, played this song every single time she sat down at the piano. Bringing back great memories. Thanks for uploading!!

[MrPupke]

This song is written by: Schonberger/Coburn/Rose. It's also used at the start of the song: Cherchez la Femme by August Darnell and Stoney Browder in the band called Dr. Buzzard's Original "Savannah" Band, later known as Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

Dutch lyrics to this song translate as "We are homosexuals, we do as many...etc.

[ggarzagarcia]

old mickey mouse cartoons from that era used sweet jazz...lol

[candyneflai]

ke interesantes videos me gustan

[nacholu28]

Who wrote this?

It wasn't benny goodman right?

[nosferatuist]

1:00 AT 1 :38 IS FANTASTIC!!!

[nosferatuist]

great!! g r e a t !!! GREAT!!!! G R E A T!!

[BrunoEspo]

i'm a proud owner of this 78

[treefingers68]

what the hell is that instrument soloing at 1:00?

[YearlongCompany]

@treefingers68 I do believe its a Slide Whistle

[chkjns]

@treefingers68 It's a theremin, the first 'electronica', it was only about 2 years old then. enter chkjns theramin in the tube's search bar for my playlist. Most famous use of it is in NBC Mystery movie theme. Glad you pointed the sound out, I'd missed it before!!! come check out my 620 playlists of a century of worldwide music.

[chkjns]

@treefingers68 Reconsidered the slide whistle idea, but still think theremin. It works off radio waves. The vibrato effect coudn't be pulled off so well on a whistle I think. Notice it's kind of eerie sounding? That's the haunting sound of a theremin I do believe. It's in the background on the rest of this as well, it has a sustained effect similar to a vibraphone. Listen a few more times, do you hear it?

[Terrapin9614]

@chkjns it's not a theremin, it is what was called a "Swanee whistle" or slide whistle. you can read about his use of this in Whiteman's autobiography, "Jazz." besides, Whiteman wouldn't have had access to a theremin in 1920, and even if he had, he probably wouldn't have used it, since early theremin playing was considered to be part of the avant-garde (Varese, etc.) or it was considered a serious instrument, as in the way Clara Rockmore played it.

[anonymousj12]

paul whiteman sucks, he kicked bix beiderbecke out of his band. nub

plus he music sucks

[goPistons06]

try listening to groovin high after this

[casamondello]

The composer of the music, Vincent Rose, was my greatgreat uncle!!!! His real name was Vincenzo Cacioppo.

[dupontsister2]

My uncle John Schonberger wrote Whispering and I am so pleased that it is still out there!!! He was a wonderful, sweet man.

[BronxRapper]

@dupontsister2

All my respects to your uncle, "Whispering" is a very well known wonderful tune.

Regards from Chile, South America.

[casamondello]

@dupontsister2 Funny, I posted my message before reading yours. The story, according to the grand-child of Vincent Rose, is that it all started from a little tune that John S. used to whistle. One day Vincent Rose and Dick Coburn wrote a song based upon it and helped the Schonberger to publish it. An agreement was signed on 5/27/1920 by which MAlvin Schonberger relinquished all his rights on the song and J.Schonberger, V Rose and R Coburn each received one third of the profits.

[casamondello]

@dupontsister2 THere is a paper signes by John Schonberger in 1940 (when the copyrights were renewed) declaring that he, V Rose and R. Coburn collaborated to compose the song. THen Malvin Schonberger contested the authorship in 1954. THe dispute was settled between Fred Fischer Music Co. representing the Schonbergers and Miller Music Corporation representing Rose and Coburn. I'd be interested to know if the version of this story that circulates in your family is similar or different from this

[benruben289]

Wonderful song

[ybravura]

When I was 19, I worked in a Spartan-Atlantic department store (in the Automotive section), and the PA played this song daily. I hated it as an example of "square" music.

Now, years later, it's one of my favorite tunes.

Is this an example of senility or maturity?

[amitmediratta]

such a splendid number :)

[TheIxtlan]

wow that is great. thks.

[wa1ufo]

awesome!

[bobbobato]

I wonder what this song actually sounded like, in person. I've heard the reproduction from the Aeolian hall CD, but that version sounds so much less sincere, so... Goofy.

[valdo2est]

This record is a real starting point of all the pop music.

[freitasnetuno]

so nostalgic, i like it

[rogernma]

This tune reminds me of my grandparents who played this on their player piano. Thanks for the memories.

[LennonForever38]

I had this 78 until it broke in 2007 due to crappy manufacturing of record sleeve books. thank you =D

[AngelaRed]

Just added to my 90 years ago playlist!

[mgtn69376]

Wonderful CD. "Paul Whiteman's Historic Aeolian Hall Concert or 1924" The birth of Rhapsody in Blue. The best CD for this kind of music.... beyond the best!

[davelewis3000]

is this the tune that was playing in the cafe in the film 'Amelie' if it is, who played that version? anyone know?

[111oldie]

Thanks Mike for sharing!

[Corrie121]

Wonderful ! Here are the words to sing along with.

Whispering while you cuddle near me,

Whispering so no one can hear me,

Each little whisper seems to cheer me,

I know its true there's no one dear but you.

Whispering why you'll never leave me,

Whispering why you'll never grieve me,

Whisper and say that you believe me,

Whispering that I love you.

Thanks for sharing.

[BettyBoop4ever25]

@Corrie121

Thank you for the lyrics :)

Truly wonderfull song

[QBCNetwork]

@Corrie121 The New VAudeville Band did the lyrics to that tune.

[voltape]

@Corrie121 My What memories of my distant childhood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[neon854]

Fantastic tune!

[enginecoot]

I've been looking here and don't see a single version of Whispering by Paul Whiteman and his "New" Ambassador Hotel Orchestra. This is on the Coral label and was released some time in the early fifties.

bought the 78 RPM record when I was a kid and played it 'til it was about worn out. I still have it and, if anyone wants to hear it, I could try to clean it up and upload it.

Enginecoot

[TuberOnTheLoose]

@enginecoot I'd love to hear it. Never can have too much of this music.

[enginecoot]

I've got the record out of the pile and, when I get a chance I will post it as an answer to your version.

THEN, I'll try to remember to let you know it's up.

BTW, another of my favorites is "Kansas City Stomps" by Red Nichols. I've got that one around here somewhere, too ..... that is, if it didn't get thrown ot in one of my "cleaning frenzies". :-)

[genatzvalee]

Such a great classic! Love that sweet and moody melody, especially on the chorus. This is the first version of Whispering I ever heard. It took me awhile to find a version with vocals, so I got used to the instrumental and now prefer it this way.

[mmimtc]

excellent!

[Witericus]

I still keep the 78 rpm disc that Grandpa and Grandma bought more than 80 years ago at Zato's. It's an Odeon recording with "Whispering" on face A and "The Japanese Sandman" on face B. When I fancy them playing it on the portable gramophon I can't help feeling something up and down my spine.

[Foxtrot323]

I miss the good ol' days.

;)

[jd03150]

Unbelievable! Now 89 years old and still one of the best recordings of all time. Thanks to YT, it is still a part of my everyday life and I hope I'm still listening to it when I'm 89 -- which isn't too far away.

[patoman881]

Whispering while no one can see me

Whispering while no one can hear me

Whisper and say you'll never leave me

You know its true theres no one dear but you-no exactly the words-pretty close but no cigar:-)

[newfful]

I'm 24 and I've always been a big fan of 1920's and 30's music.

[GeminiNightOwl]

Lol - no, I'm 43 years old. I just love listening to music from the teens, 20's and 30's. But I don't doubt that there are people in their 80's who know how to use a computer. If it weren't for them, you wouldn't be here to use one either...

[bookyYS]

i dont hear whispering i feel like the old mickey mouse is gonna pop out n fight popye or sumthin

[GeminiNightOwl]

I LOVE this song! It was number 1 on the charts in 1920 - I have a Paul Whiteman CD and was just listening to this tune the other day. Thanks so much for sharing it.

[hahigdal]

your over 80 years old and you know how to use a computer?

[aeiou47460]

I'm 13, and I love this song! I have the original 78, but this side has a chip in it. Can someone please post the b-side, "the japanese sandman"?

[ToliKwoli]

Charlie Parker Played a solo over this song that eventually became the melody to "Groovin' High"

[JCJasion]

Somebody should post Whiteman's 1928 electrical re-recording of this tune.

[poindexterqueef]

"Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band" paid a nice tribute to this wonderful Whiteman song by using the first two bars played by (trombone?) horn intro to their hit song "Chez Chez La Femme". They just slowed it down, but, this seems to clearly be the inspiration. Another wonderful song, too!

[lasmol2]

elskede kom i mine arme, så skal jeg bore dine tarme...

[wilmaorbetty]

tank you so much for posting. when i was little my grandfather had this song on a 78 and played it on an old victrola and we used to dance funny dances to it in the living room. how i miss him.

[bingcrosby1903]

Glad to post!

[WIIFORWII]

not as good as the les paul version man

[Yaledmot]

I was wondering if this was version that has the saw--and of course it does starting at 1:01.

Royal Society Jazz Orchestra out of the San Jose' area recreated this version on one of their great CDs including the saw part. Love it. Good show.

tld

[micosaybrown]

This is great vintage music of that era -- I am certain my parents thoroughly enjoyed dancing to music like this. It was a great past time of people from that era.

[bagelboy1043]

that oboe is beast

[blackpoolbarmpot]

A great American Jazz band, where 'Bing Crosby' started his singing career as one of Paul Whitemans 'Rhythm Boys', and the rest, they say, is history.

[Grouchy2day]

And they did it in 9 takes on that day in August 1920. It was a good band with Henry Busse playing the lead trumpet. But I prefer the later Whiteman band 1927-29 when Bix Beiderbecke, Frank Trumbauer, Bill Rank, and arranger Bill Challis were in it. Bix and Tram left a lot of great moments on those records.

[jd03150]

Grouch, I cannot help but think of this as one of the quintessential recordings of its time. I have loved it for well over 50 years and now with it readily available on You Tube, I listen to it usually once every day. It is truly one of the best of the 1920/30s period. jd

[Grouchy2day]

It is one of Whiteman's best. But I also have a soft spot for the re-make they did in late 1927 or early 1928. Better sound quality.

[jd03150]

As a lifelong fan [I'm now about to turn the page on 72] of 1920/30s music, I recently made a discovery and I really cannot understand how I've missed this artist until just literally days ago. I noticed someone I had never heard of on You Tube and played my first recording ever of Lee Morse. It was love at first hearing. She has immediately topped my list of female singers. The bios say she was less than 5 feet tall and weighed less than 100 pounds.However, that voice is a heavyweight. jd

[terminator007007]

Its a "Swanee whistle," not a saw. Good guess though. Basically a slide whistle-a novelty at the time.

[Superbear666]

I've always believed that the odd-sounding instrument that plays the second verse is a musical saw . Does anyone know any different ?

[katziebob]

I agree with you that it sounds like a saw but I've never heard for sure if that is the case. Would be interesting to research that! This is my all-time favorite song and has been since I was about 10 years old. I'm a baby boomer but just love the old music.

[mikelowry5]

I used nearly wore the grooves out for this song on my parents' copy of RCA's "50 Years of Music America Loves Best."

[ldFlorida]

I remember listening to this many, many times on my grandparents "crank" Victrola record player in their basement in Buffalo, New York. This music has been and will always be an integral part of my life and memories. So "Thanks for the Memories"!

[gmmix]

I can relate to your comments--completely. I played my grandparents' phonographs every

weekend; both sides lived in the same rural PA town. One had their Victrola in the cellar near the stairs; the "other side" had

theirs on the 2nd floor of the barn. Thanks to the poster for the aural pleasure he's provided.

[kingoliver45]

My 2nd favorite song of all time

[kwassagirl]

What is your first favourite ?

I certainly agree this is a GREAT song.

[kingoliver45]

Probably either Louis Armstrong doing Stardust or Louis Armstrong doing When it's sleepy time down south from 1930 or When your lover has gone from 1930 as well. You should check out Red nichols doing this # with a trumpet trio. It's more beautiful then ever!!!

[bearcub410]

my grandparents were married that year . with the war over and my grandfather home , nice to think of them listening to this . i have a pic of them at brighton on the beach that year. thanks so much

[bingcrosby1903]

Glad to hear such memories. Thats what i love about this music, and music in general, it holds at least one memory for everyone that hears it. My Great-grandparents were born 3 years after this was made. (but im only 14) yes, a 14 year-old with a victrola and a record collection, among other things.

[recordcrazy23]

you're not the only teen (i'm 15) with a victrola collection. someone has to keep the music playing!

[YearlongCompany]

@bingcrosby1903 Thats Cool! I'm 13 and have a Victrola and lots of Records. i absolutely love the music of the '20s and '30s- It takes you back to simple times. Thank you so much for posting!

[nacholu28]

@YearlongCompany I'm selling my nintendo wii for a record player :)

[CarGuyZM10]

@bingcrosby1903 Glad to see another young person with an interest with music like this. I'm 20, with a Victrola and a small(er) record collection.

[kspm01]

Of course this is an ideal listening situation for this great tune.