Jesse Crawford - Ting-A-Ling (1926)

TING-A-LING
(The Waltz of the Bells)
Words and music by Addy Britt and Jack Little
Performed by Jesse Crawford at the Wurlitzer Organ
Recorded October 4, 1926, Chicago
Victor 20263


(Chorus)
Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling,
I love the waltz of the bells
Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling,
I love the story it tells.

When bells are ringing I never feel blue,
I'm always singing , sweetheart I love you,
Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling, Ting-A-Ling,
I love the waltz of the bells

Jesse Crawford (1895 - 1962) was the most famous of organists, very popular in 1920s and 1930s. Reached peak about 1928-1931 when his records played frequently on the radio. He began his career around 1908, toured as pianist with dance band in northwest. His first organ job at the Gem Theatre, Spokane, Washington, 1911. Other theatres followed. First organ soloist at Grauman's Theatre in Los Angeles in 1918. Worked in Chicago in early 1920s. Got coveted organist job at New York's Paramount Theatre, during 1926-1933 entertained crowds nightly, sometimes with talented wife Helen at twin organ console. Toured English theaters. Later in U.S. turned more to concert and radio work, provided background music for dramas on NBC and CBS. Led sweet-styled dance orchestra 1937-38, featured self and wife on twin electric organs. Recording output through the years extensive. Active in 1940s and 1950s on radio and records. Wrote instruction books on organ.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ting-A-Ling
• Waltz of the Bells
• Jesse Crawford
• theatre
• pipe
• organ
• Wurlitzer
• Addy Britt
• Helen
• Jack Little
• 1926
• Victor
• 20263
• 78rpm
• waltz
• Chicago Theatre

[HarborGuy]

Thank you for the recording and also the pictures of the Chicago Theater. I don't have a trained ear as you and others seem to but it sounded great.

[bsgs98]

@HarborGuy The following quote is from the Chicago Theatre Website: (thechicagotheatre(dot)com)

"The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors on October 26, 1921 with Norma Talmadge on screen in "The Sign on the Door." A 50-piece orchestra performed in the pit and Jesse Crawford played the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ."

[wurlitzer165]

I've notice that the note A above middle C is not standardized as 440 in 1926. Is it true?

[bsgs98]

@wurlitzer165 My turntable is not precise in speed and there is always some uncertainty on the speed that Victor recorded it. I believe the original was played in B-flat, and that's how I attempted to pitch it using software. I hope I wasn't too far off.

[pax41]

I have this one too Bill.  Good job on the sound, it is perfect.

[bsgs98]

@pax41 I got this recently on Ebay. The seller didn't know how to grade it so I took a chance and got lucky.

[quakx047]

I like it!

Gerrit Jonker

Thailand