For further details, go to www.asmac.org and click "Golden Score Award." By the way, I am as flattered to have been named to the Honorary Event Committee as I am undeserving of the honor. I can picture people looking over the committee list on the night of the show, coming to my name and finding it hard not to blurt out, "Who??"
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For more information about the ELLA, visit www.singers.org, then click the "News & Events" link.
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We recently presented here a YouTube clip from "The Lawrence Welk Show." That clip generated the following response:
"Regarding the mention of Lawrence Welk in your post of Mar. 14 ...
When our band plays Welk charts, the dance floor fills. The same holds true for Glenn Miller and Kay Kyser. When we play Stan Kenton charts, the dance floor is empty. Ditto for Duke Ellington.
I once asked Garry Stevens, the late band singer, why big band music lost its popularity. His answer: 'The musicians killed the big bands. They started playing music for themselves and not the audience.'
Of course, Kenton and Ellington purposely wrote music for listening, not dancing. Dancers walking back to their seats might simply confirm to Stan and Duke that their intentions had succeeded.
But Bernie and Garry make a provocative argument. Bernie consented to the publication of his comments in the hope of stimulating healthy discussion among readers. Or even unhealthy discussion. What do you think?
"Regarding the mention of Lawrence Welk in your post of Mar. 14 ...
When our band plays Welk charts, the dance floor fills. The same holds true for Glenn Miller and Kay Kyser. When we play Stan Kenton charts, the dance floor is empty. Ditto for Duke Ellington.I once asked Garry Stevens, the late band singer, why big band music lost its popularity. His answer: 'The musicians killed the big bands. They started playing music for themselves and not the audience.'
Our band routinely performs to full houses. And try playing a Kay Kyser chart; Kenton is easier."
Bernie Farmer
The Fabulous Swing Kings
Chico, Calif.
Of course, Kenton and Ellington purposely wrote music for listening, not dancing. Dancers walking back to their seats might simply confirm to Stan and Duke that their intentions had succeeded.
But Bernie and Garry make a provocative argument. Bernie consented to the publication of his comments in the hope of stimulating healthy discussion among readers. Or even unhealthy discussion. What do you think?
