Soundie: The Mills Brothers - Paper Doll

Paper Doll
written by Johnny S. Black
performed by The Mills Brothers
from a 1942 Soundie, directed by Josef Berne

The song was written in 1915, although it was not published until 1930. During his lifetime, Black's greatest commercial success would come with his song "Dardanella," which sold 5,000,000 copies in a recording by bandleader Ben Selvin in 1920, and a further 2,000,000 copies of sheet music. Johnny Black would die in 1936, six years before his second biggest hit, "Paper Doll," swept the country.

In this filmed version of, what is arguably, The Mills Brothers' signature tune, we find Donald sitting alone while his other brothers (Harry & Herbert) and father (John Charles, Sr.) have their "dolls" with them. However, he is holding a picture of 19-year old Dorothy Dandridge. After Donald cuts out his "paper doll," the magic really begins. Despite being a 27 year old composition, this song was very timely during those early war days and helped The Mills Brothers to regain some of their lost popularity in the United States that their label-mates, The Ink Spots, had gained.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mills
• Brothers
• Paper
• Doll
• vocal
• group
• harmony
• soundie
• Dorothy
• Dandridge

[itsasoulthing]

I've never ever seen such beautiful music and incredibly beautiful black women together!

[Rowland108]

Dorothy Dandridge dancing. Thanks for the upload