THE AL BOWLLY STORY - PART 4

In 1929, Tragedy struck when Fred Elizalde gave up and disbanded. This was not good news for Al, who was now reduced to busking in theatre qeues and on street corners. This is where Al Bowlly recorded with almost any band he could find, just so he could pay the rent. These bands included Percival Mackey, Len Fillis, Adrian Rollini, Jay Wilbur, Harry Hudson and others. On 30th June 1930, Al made a few solo recordings for HMV. The accompaniment was by Ray Noble, and this is where their partnership began. The first recording they made together was ''Alleenig (Alone)'' and Al Bowlly sang it in Africaans. On 20th November 1930, Al began making many sides with The New Mayfair Dance Orchestra which was directed by Ray Noble, the first recording being ''I'm Telling The World She's Mine.'' Al also recorded with Ella Logan and Claude Ivy plus Hawaiian groups led by Len Fillis, and the Dance Bands of Billy Hill, Marius B. Winter and Harry Hudson later this same year.
The photo shows Al Bowlly at a recording session with Ray Noble and The New Mayfair Dance Orchestra.

In part 5, you'll read how Al Bowlly was very lucky to record ''You're Lucky To Me'' on 9th January, 1931.

Category:

Music

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• AL
• BOWLLY
• RAY
• NOBLE
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[Rena1934]

thank you for sharing these interesting facts about Al's life. I've always wondered which was his first language since he was born in a Portuguese speaking country, grew up in South Africa and his parents were from Greece and Lebanon...and now I listen to him in Africaans. I am all confused but thanks a lot!

[KnockelII]

Thanks a lot for another surprising treasure of Bowlly-material.

[staffs2]

'n mooie singer in al Sy liede, Ek hoop daar was meer!

[kspm01]

This song in Afrikaans, "Alleenig" is a surprising, gentle and intimistic song. Bowlly apparently was great in everything he did, even in harsh living circumstances.