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Forbidden Fruit

You’re listening to Nina Simone, the high priestess of soul. You’re on the Sound Beat. This song forbidden fruit is from the same titled album, released by Colpix in 1961. While it features the “call and response” found in styles such as gospel, jazz and the blues, Simone didn’t like to fit to define her music in ...

April 27, 2021
Crazy with the Blues

History’s full of musicians claiming to have made deals with the devil. But only one claimed to have married into one.

April 26, 2021
Tell Tchaikowsky to Move!

That riff can only mean one thing…you’re listening to Chuck Berry…and you’re on the Sound Beat. Okay, two things.

April 23, 2021
Casey Jones

One of the most popular tales in American folk history.

April 22, 2021
Let Me Call You Sweetheart

The song you hear ”Let Me Call You Sweetheart” by Bing Crosby with Georgie Stoll and His Orchestra was recorded in 1934 on the Decca label. You’re on the Sound Beat. “Let Me Call You Sweetheart“ was originally written by Leo Freidman and Beth Slater Whinston in 1910. The song was a big hit for Author Clough in ...

April 21, 2021
Laguardia’s Lament

The squeaky landing gear gets the grease

April 21, 2021
Groovin’ High

Groovin’ on the Beat…

April 20, 2021
The 1000 Islands Song

Arthur Godfrey was a 50’s tv and radio icon, an aviator, equestrian…but not such a great tour leader. You’re on the Sound Beat You’re listening to The 1000 Islands Song, a Columbia 78 recorded in 1947. The archipelago lies in the St. Lawrence River, on the US-Canadian border. There are actually about 1800 islands, each passing the ...

April 19, 2021
Mal Reggendo

Il Travatore remains one of Guiseppe Verdi’s most popular operas, but it almost had a different name. Two, actually.

April 16, 2021
Hooray For Captain Spaulding!

From Coast Coast, from every state in the Union…it’s Groucho Marx and…

April 15, 2021