A shame these days is how little younger generations (People 45 and younger), have little knowledge of people on the vaudeville stage and silver screen who were near universally known in America only 70,80,90 years ago. Therefore, I'll be showcasing many of these forgotten masters over time. Firstly, let's begin with Van and Schenck (Pronounced Skenk). Incredibly popular in the late teens and early 20s while in the Ziegfeld Follies, something I'm sure I'll cover later on, the duo consisted of Gus Van as baritone and Joe Schenck as tenor. Joe's oddly high voice and Gus's low tones harmonized well, and earned their position as premier comic singers. During WW1 and at the beginning of the "Return to Normalcy" stressed by President Harding, their ethnic routines and novelty hits like "Pastafoozla" and "I Don't Want to Get Well" kept listeners pleased. Schenck unfortunately died of a heart attack at 35, cutting the comedic, singing vaudeville duo down to Van, who sung solo for a while but didn't have the spark the pair had together, never partnering again. Above are some photos; a few URLs are below to their largest successes. (All content belongs to its respective owners, I own nothing, no copyrights, e.t.c.)
http://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/idontwanttogetwell.htm -1918
http://www.archive.org/details/VanSchenck -A few of their famous recordings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtMYV9R52V8 -Pastafoozla and Hungry Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHuYgRqfSw&feature=related -Stay Out of the South
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHhMe9TON4c -Get Out and Get Under the Moon
No comments:
Post a Comment