One Meatball!

Live from the Rocking Chair - One Meat Ball!

I learned it from an old 78RPM 'clay' (ceramic disk) by Josh White. The linear notes said: "Adapted from the song
"The Lone Fish Ball" by Sing & Zaret"
Hy Zaret went on to solo song writing. Producing hits in four separate decades.
Including "Unchained Melody".
One Meat Ball has been recorded by many prominent artists, Bing Crosby, Andrew Sisters, Leon Redbone, Ry Cooder, to name a few. Sometimes it is treated as a novelty song. And sometimes it is given a bluesy mournful treatment. It seems to work both ways. I know of at least two other Josh White recordings, besides the 'Crimson Canary' performance which is posted on You Tube. - Danny

Guitar Note:

Most versions of the song I have seen use an F instead (ie Am, C, F, E). But players often ask me about one chord I use in the chorus after the Am, C. Unfortunately its name is "F# Minor 7th Sharp 11th Sharp 5th" (then it resolves to the E chord). You can only get that voicing on guitar with this simple first position fingering 200210. Inspite of it's terrible name, I prefer the sound you get with an F# in the bass instead of F.

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[DanofTucson]

Thanks Hardy, yes, exactly. The 78's ;)

[DanofTucson]

One Meatball was always a prominent part of his (Josh White) repeat ore, no matter the current style. I think the "No Spaghetti"

came from his Jazz Singer period. Billy Holiday reportedly put him down as a "Slick Jazz Singer". But it is difficult to tell what Billy really said, and what was embellished by PR men and journalists attempting to cause a stir.

[DanofTucson]

I got the "No Spaghetti" from a Josh White live recording. Josh White's career went through at least several decades, and many incarnations. I've have seen him shopped as a roots blues singer, jazz singer, and folk singer. It seems he had a chameleon like ability to change his image depending on the current genre. He was criticized for that by some. Nut I don't fault him for trying to make a living.

[hardyguitars]

i like it.. you got a great voice, bring back the 78 's.

[hardyguitars]

i like it.. you got a great voice, bring back the 78 's.

[zoe51899999]

nice! Is the "No Spagetti" not part of the original song?