Trending Posts

Vintage Cameras

No 2 Hawk-Eye Model C

Posted on:

The camera obscura, dating back to ancient Chinese and Greek philosophers, laid the groundwork for photography. The No 2 Hawkeye Model C, a box-type Brownie camera introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1926, democratized photography by being portable, affordable, and user-friendly, featuring a simple design, fixed focus lens, and using 120 roll film.

Musicians

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band

Posted on:

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band emerged in 1916, playing a key role in popularizing jazz from New Orleans to the wider public. Known for their lively, innovative style and early 78rpm recordings, they set the stage for jazz’s evolution. Their notable works include “Livery Stable Blues” and “Tiger Rag,” influencing future jazz legends.

Vintage Movies

Sherlock, JR

Posted on:

Buster Keaton’s 1924 film “Sherlock, Jr.” is celebrated for its innovative blend of reality and fantasy, setting a new standard in silent film comedy. The story follows a projectionist who imagines himself as a detective within a film, showcasing Keaton’s groundbreaking use of meta-fiction, technical ingenuity, and physical comedy.

Musicians

Billy Murray

Posted on:

Billy Murray was a key figure in early 20th-century recorded music, known for his clear voice and emotional delivery. His career spanned over three decades, during which he became a household name with songs like “I’m the Guy,” “The Yankee Doodle Boy,” and “K-K-K-Katy.” Murray helped pioneer the transition from live performances to recorded music, significantly influencing the music industry. His early exposure to vaudeville and minstrel shows shaped his versatile singing style, making him a sought-after recording artist. Despite a decline in popularity in later years, his legacy endures in the annals of American musical history.

Record Label

Musicraft

Posted on:

Musicraft Records, founded in 1937 by John Hammond, played a pivotal role in the mid-20th-century music scene. Known for promoting jazz icons like Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie, Musicraft embraced high-quality production and innovation. Despite its decline due to industry shifts, its legacy in jazz and popular music endures.

Vintage Movies

Wings (1927)

Posted on:

“Wings” (1927), directed by William A. Wellman, is a groundbreaking World War I film known for its pioneering aerial photography and realistic combat scenes. Featuring performances by Clara Bow, Charles “Buddy” Rogers, and Richard Arlen, it won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. The film blends action, romance, and drama, remaining influential in cinema history.

Musicians

International Novelty Orchestra

Posted on:

This week, our “Vintage Musician of the Week” series spotlights the International Novelty Orchestra. Active in the 1920s and 1930s, the orchestra was noted for its unique fusion of classical, jazz, and pop music, all under the innovative leadership of Arthur Lange. Their work reflected the cultural dynamism of the time, blending various musical elements to appeal to a wide audience and setting standards in orchestral pop and recording techniques. Songs like “That Wicked Tango” and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” remain testaments to their pioneering legacy.

Record Label

Victory Records

Posted on:

Victory Records, established in the early 1920s, significantly influenced the music industry through technological innovations and a diverse musical catalog reflective of its era’s cultural milieu. Positioned strategically within a vibrant American city, the label initially focused on jazz and blues, later expanding to various genres to cater to eclectic tastes. Celebrated for enhancing recording clarity with cutting-edge technology, including the adoption of electrical recording, Victory played a pivotal role in popularizing genres and shaping the careers of key artists. Despite its decline due to economic hardships and technological shifts during the Great Depression, the label’s legacy in advancing music production and cultural impact remains influential.