WILLARD ROBISON

Willard Robison

b. 1894, Shelbina, Missouri, USA, d. 24 June 1968, Peekskill, New York

A gifted songwriter, Robison directed much of his early work in line with the tradition of Negro spirituals. In all, he was credited with well over 100 such compositions, including "Religion In Rhythm", "Truthful Parson Brown" and "The Devil Is Afraid Of Music", the latter song crossing the border into acceptance as a popular song that is still performed today.

In 1917, he formed his own band, the Deep River Orchestra, with which he toured the southwest and Midwest. He never forgot his country home, something that was to be an ever-present ingredient for his songs. Even as he moved more towards contemporary popular music, he still retained the spiritual feeling, describing his compositions as "Deep River Music". One of his songs, "Peaceful Valley", was Paul Whiteman's first theme tune and it was with Whiteman's encouragement that Robison went to New York where for seven years he led the Deep River Orchestra on weekly radio shows.

Apart from Whiteman, other admirers of Robison's work included singer Mildred Bailey and songwriter Johnny Mercer. Among singers other than Bailey who have recorded his songs, sometimes memorably so, are Dardanelle, Anita Ellis, Barbara Lea, Peggy Lee (notably recording "Don't Smoke In Bed"), Daryl Sherman and Lee Wiley. Another artist who found Robison's

down-home lyricism appealing was Jack Teagarden who recorded several of his songs on his 1962 set, Think Well Of Me. Robison's work, which first became widely popular in the 20s, retained favour with the public into the 40s and some songs became standards, among them "A Cottage For Sale" (composed in collaboration with Larry Conley), "Guess I'll Go Back Home Again (This Summer)" (with Ray Mayer), "Old Folks" (with Dedette Lee Hill) and "A Woman Alone With The Blues".

These examples apart, eventually public interest in his charming and essentially down home lyrics faded as more urgent, less nostalgic themes took precedence. What many overlooked was that Robison's choice of simple, everyday themes for his lyrics was not indicative of simplistic writing. Indeed, much of his work was highly sophisticated. In Barbara Lea's liner notes to The Devil Is Afraid Of Music, her 1976 Audiophile Records selection of Robison's songs, she states of his music that in the "quintessential Robison writing . . . under a melody which is often sinuous and chromatic, the harmonies are conceived not vertically but horizontally. The effect is of a number of strands which flow along together, making a closely woven texture like the many currents of a river."

Adding comment to this same album, songwriter Alec Wilder drew attention to Robison's "concentration on the vast American landscape" and his ability to evoke not only this but also "the American small town, the American regional speech."In addition to those songs already mentioned, among Robison's compositions, for most of which he wrote both words and music, are "Born To The Bayou", "Deep Elm (You Tell 'Em I'm Blue)", "Deep Summer", "Down To The Steamboat, Tennessee", "It's Never Too Late To Pray", "Little High Chairman" (with Mayer), "Lonely Acres", used as its theme tune by Paul Tremaine's popular broadcasting band, "My Egotism Is Hurtin' Me", "Poor Loulie Jean', "'Round My Old Deserted Farm', "Run For The Roundhouse, Nellie" (with Jack Palmer), "T'Ain't So, Honey, T'Ain't So" and "Think Well Of Me". He also composed longer works for orchestra, including "Six Studies In Modern Syncopation" and "Rural Revelations".

First, three volumes of misc Goodies from Dr. D (Barry H):

WILLARD ROBISON - Vol. 1
"Archive" style transfers - "stereo", with tracks starting before music begins
All titles credited to WILLARD ROBISON AND HIS ORCHESTRA unless shown otherwise.
WR = Willard Robison. DRO = Deep River Orchestra. DRQ = Deep River Quintette

01 Darby Hicks "American Suite No. 3" (WR) DRO Pe unnumbered (V+)
02 Deep River "American Suite No. 7" (WR) DRO PA 36593B (V+)
03 Harlem Blues "American Suite No. 8) (R) DRO PA 36640B (V)
04 Take In The Sun, Hang Out The Moon (Lewis-Young-Woods) VC by W. Neff Pe 14747 (V+)
05 Calling (Ernie Golden) VC W. Neff Pe 14747B (V+)
06 12th Street Rag (Euday Bowman) DRO PA 36635 (V-)
07 Peck Horn Blues (Ben Bonnell) DRO PA 36635B (V-)
08 The Devil Is Afraid Of Music (WR) LEVEE LOUNGERS Pe 14818B (G)
09 Rhapsody In Blue (Part No. 1) (G. Gershwin) DRO Pe 14925 (V-)
10 Rhapsody In Blue (Part No. 2) (G. Gershwin) DRO Pe 14925B (G - rough start)
11 No Wonder I'm Happy (Davis-Akst) VC Ken Christie Pe 14844 (V+)
12 Blue River (WR) DRO VC by DRQ Pe 14849 (V+)
13 New Hampshire Highway (WR) DRO VC by DRQ Pe 14849B (V+)
14 Yep! Long About June (Billy Heagney) DRO VC Heagney & Steele Pe 14850 (V+)
15 Bye Bye Pretty Baby (Gardner-Hamilton) VC by DRQ Pe 14850B (G+)
16 (I'm In Heaven When I See You Smile) Diane (Rapee-Pollack) VC by DRQ PA 36694 (G)
17 My Blue Heaven (Donaldson-Whiting) VC by DRQ PA 36694B (G-)
18 Girl Of My Dreams (Henry Clapp) VC Paul Hagen Pe 14919 (V+)
19 June Of Long Ago (WR) VC by DRQ Pe 14919B (V)
20 Ol' Man River From "Show Boat" (Kern) Pe (UK) P380, as RAYNER'S DANCE ORCHESTRA (V+)
21 The Man I Love (Gershwin) Pe (UK) P380, as RAYNER'S DANCE ORCHESTRA (V)
22 There Must Be A Silver Lining That's Shining For Me (Morse-Donaldson) Romeo 559, as MIAMI ROYAL PALM ORCHESTRA
23 How Can I Forget? (Goodwin-Harris-Shay) VC by DRQ Pe 14943B (V)
24 Together (DeSylva-Brown-Henderson) VC Charlie Barnes Pe 14948 (V+)

WILLARD ROBISON - Vol. 2
"Archive" style transfers - "stereo", with tracks starting before music begins
All titles credited to WILLARD ROBISON AND HIS ORCHESTRA unless shown otherwise.
WR = Willard Robison. DRO = Deep River Orchestra. WRAHP = Willard Robison And His Piano

01 The Grass Grows Greener (Way Down Home) (Yellen-Dougherty) "DOC" ROSS AND HOTEL RICE ORCHESTRA VC Arthur Hall Pe 14948B
02 Little Mother from "Four Sons" (Rapee-Pollack) VC Billy Jones PE 14953
03 So Tired (Sizemore-Little) VC David Gay Pe 14953B
04 Indian Cradle Song (Kahn-Wayne) VC Charles Barnes Pe 14982

**VOCAL RECORDS START HERE**
Artist credited as WILLARD ROBISON unless otherwise noted
05 Clap Yo' Hands (Gershwin-Gershwin) WRAHP Pe 12311
06 Thinking Of You (Donaldson-Ash) WRAHP Pe 12311B
07 The Birth Of The Blues (DeSylva-Brown-Henderson) Pa 32201 (V-)
08 Deep River Blues (Handy-Green) Pe unnumbered (V+)
09 I'd Love To Call You My Sweetheart (Goodwin-Shay-Ash) PA 32215 (V - crack)
10 Hugs And Kisses (Klages-Akst) Pr 32215B (V - crack)
11 Who Do You Love? (Klages-Frey-Rich) WRAHP PA 32239 (V-)
12 G String Melody (Robison) WRAHP Pa 32239B (G+)
13 St. Louis Blues (W. C. Handy) WRAHP Supertone 32287 (Fair cond.)
14 Song Of The Cottonfield (Porter Grainger) WRAHP Supertone 32287B (Fair cond.)
15 Truthful Parson Brown (WR) NAT SHILLKRET AND THE VICTOR ORCHESTRA VR by WR Vi 21458A (43514)
16 The Devil Is Afraid Of Music (WR) same credits as #15 Vi 21458B (43513)
17 'Taint So, Honey, 'Taint So (Robison) Vi 21651A (45580)
18 Deep River Blues (Eddie Green-Lucile Marie Handy) Vi 21651B (41569)
19 If I Had You (Shapiro-Campbell-Connelly) Vi 21866A (V+)
20 There's Religion In Rhythm (WR) Vi 22466A (E+ - hc)
21 Don't Ever Be 'Fraid To Wade Those Troubled Waters (WR) Vi 22446B (E+ - hc)
22 A Garden In The Rain (Gibbons-Dyrenforth) WR & His DRO Co 1773DD (148078)
23 Blue Hawaii (Baer-Caesar-Schuster) WR & His DRO Co 1773DD (148079)

WILLARD ROBISON - Vol. 3
"Archive" style transfers - "stereo", with tracks starting before music begins
Artist credited as WILLARD ROBISON unless otherwise noted

01 Head Low (Skinner-Robison) WR & His DRO Co 1818D (148463)
02 Peace Of Mind (Gibbons-Dyrenforth) WR & His DRO Co 1818D (148464)
03 We'll Have A New Home In The Morning (Buck-Robinson-Robison) Diva 2870G (147485) (V)
04 Ploddin' Along (Trent-DeRose-Robison) Diva 2870G (147486) (V)
05 Harlem Blues (Handy) WR & His DRO Co 1948D (148546) (V+)
06 Beale Street Blues (Handy) WR & His DRO Co 1948D (148547) (V+)
07 (Way Out There In) Tall Timber (Robison) Co 2268D (149193) (V)
08 (Still Runnin' Round) In The Wilderness (Robison) Co 2268D (149194) (V)
09 Sing You Sinners from "Honey" (Coslow-Harding) VT 2131V (150112) (V+)
10 A Cottage For Sale (Robison-Conley) VT 2131V (150113) (V+)
Lazy Along with TONY PASTOR And His Orchestra - Featuring WILLARD ROBISON's Deep River Music

Cosmo album set DMR 103
11 Cottonwood Corners (Adams-Robison) Cosmo SS 710 (6119)
12 Old Pigeon-Toed Joad (Robison) Cosmo SS 712 (6123)
13 Old Folks (Robison) Cosmo SS 711 (6110)
14 Peaceful Valley (Robison) Cosmo SS 711 (6112)
15 Sharecroppin' Blues (Robison) Cosmo SS 712 (6122)
16 Moonlight Mississippi (Robison) Cosmo SS 710 (6111)
17 Poor Loulie Jean (Part 1) (Robison) Cosmo SS 713 (6120)
18 Poor Loulie Jean (Part 2) (Robison) Cosmo SS 713 (6121)
CHARLES NAYLOR CHORALE ABC-Paramount 7" 33-1
19 Call The Tribe! (A Cantata By Willard Robison) 33-1A
20 Peaceful Valley (Willard Robison) 33-1B
ARTHUR GODFREY
21 Old Folks (Dedette Lee Hill-WR) Hammond Electric Organ by Johnny Salb BB B7829A

WILLARD ROBISON Notes

The orchestral recordings come first, roughly in chronological order, followed by the vocals. The third disc is filled out with WR songs by other artists.
I transferred every 78 by Willard Robison that I could locate in my stacks, regardless of the condition.
"Darby Hicks" (disc one-#1) and "Deep River Blues" (disc two-#8) are coupled on an un-numbered Perfect disc labeled "Demonstration Record - Price 15c." Mike Kieffer has an E+ copy of this issue.
On Disc One #8, and perhaps others, one "channel" yields noticeably better sound than the other.
Disc One, #4, #16 and #18 each have a few seconds of very rough groove partway through, as if something fell on the soundbox or someone pushed down hard on it (a child?) As I recall, these all came from the same thrift shop pile years ago.
Disc Two #1 - This session may have been directed by Willard Robison, according to Brian Rust's dance band discography.
Disc Two #2 - I have a second copy of this record which has an alternate take on this side only. However, I couldn't discern any notable differences between the two renditions of this waltz, so I only transferred the cleaner copy for now.
Disc Two #8 - I have the same take on Pa 32201B, in lesser condition.
Disc Two #9-10 - This record has two radial cracks :( --- It is somewhat more listenable in mono.
Disc Two #20-21 - This record has a "tight hair crack" that ticks a little especially during the latter part of #20. It virtually disappears when played in mono.
Disc Three, #9-10 - Addenda: The artist credit on these two sides is: WILLARD ROBISON Acc. by his Little Symphony
Disc Three, #11-18 Liner notes: "This is easy listening music. I have wanted to make these Willard Robison songs ever since I formed my own band. Willard, in his music, has created picture stories of places and events in the deep south. I compare them to a sort of mental movie, and if you sit back and listen, his vivid lyrics and mood setting melodies form little stories that create four star productions in your own mind. At least that's the way they have always struck me, and I have gotten a big bang out of these imaginary excursions. We have tried to give these songs the flavor that Willard had as his objective when writing the music. He has performed them for me many times, and his easy delivery was my inspiration for these performances. "Cottonwood Corners" and "Moonlight Mississippi" are towns that we have all seen but never been to. They represent the heart of rural America. "Peaceful Valley" is the setting that even Hollywood couldn't do justice to. We all know "Old Folks" and "Old Pigeon-Toed Joad", and Willard certainly makes you feel the pinch of those "Sharecroppin' Blues." We have saved "Poor Loulie Jean" for the album finale, and made it in two parts because I don't think that anyone could possibly edit this plaintive story. I personally think that Willard Robison is a contemporary Stephen Foster. His music is pure Americana--in a peaceful sort of way. I sincerely hope that you get as much of a kick out of these songs as I had making them. They're personal favorites--especially when we are now trying to settle down and have a little peace. -Tony Pastor
The liner also has a woodcut illustrating each song. Unfortunately the records are miserable mid-Forties recycled-shellac pressings (wonder if any real Willard Robison records were among the ones ground up to make them?) They are transferred in the order in which they're listed on the cover.
Disc Three,#19-20: An oddball issue, a 7" 33 RPM LP with labels similar to late-Fifties ABC-Paramount 78's, in a printed paper sleeve.

Then, two discs of WR from the collection of the Great John L
(track sheets by David McCain!)

WILLARD ROBISON (Volume 4)

Willard Robison & His Orchestra. Perfect 14873, Mx. 36692A.

Broadway (from Manhattan Mary) (DeSylva-Brown-Henderson). Vocal: Deep River Quintet.
Manhattan Mary. Perfect 14873B, Mx. 36692B. Vocal: Deep River Quintet.
As above. Cobblestones (Clare-Pollock (sic)) . Perfect 14903B, Mx. 36722B. Vocal: Joe Wilbur.
As above. Girl of My Dreams (Henry Clapps). Perfect 14919, Mx. 36733A. Vocal: Paul Hagen.
As above. June of Long Ago (composer Willard Robison). Perfect 14919B, Mx. 36733B. Vocal: Deep River Quintet.
As above. Luscious (Lewis-Young-Pollack). Perfect 14952, Mx. 36771A. Vocal: David Gay.
As above. Rag Doll (Nacio Herb Brown). Perfect 14972B, Mx. 36791B. (No vocal).

Willard Robison and His Piano.

Muddy Waters (DeRose-Trent-Richman). Perfect 12337, Mx. 32258A. (Poor quality).
As above. I'll Always Remember You (Greer-Klages). Perfect 12337B, Mx. 32258B. (Poor quality).

Missouri Jazz Band (Willard Robison).

I'm Coming Virginia (Cook-Heywood). Regal 8352B, Mx. 7391-3. Vocal: Martin King.

Willard Robison acc. By His Little Symphony.

A Cottage For Sale (Robison-Confrey). Velvet Tone 2131-V, Mx. 150113.
As above. Sing You Sinners (from Honey) (Coslow-Harling). Velvet Tone 2131-V, Mx. 150112.

Willard Robison Baritone with Orchestra.

If I Had You (Shapiro-Campbell-Connelly). Victor 21866-A.

Willard Robison & His Piano.

Sometimes I'm Happy (from Hit the Deck) (Youmans). Perfect 12353As above. Lazy Weather (Trent-DeRose). Perfect 12353.

Willard Robison Orchestra.

There Ain't No Maybe In My Baby's Eyes. (Kahn-Egan-Donaldson). Vocal W. Neff. Perfect 14756, Mx E-2594-C).
As above. Mobile Mud (American Suite #6). (composer: Willard Robison). Perfect 14756B, Mx. E-2571-C.

Willard Robison Orchestra (as Rayner's Dance Orchestra).

Hallelujah (Youmans-Robin-Gray) (from Hit the Deck). Perfect P305 (British), c. April 28, 1927. Vocal: Murray John.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

At Sundown (Donaldson). Perfect 14811, Mx. 36630-A. Vocal: Murray John.
As above. Just Like A Butterfly (Dixon-Woods). Perfect 14813, Pathe # 36632-A. Vocal: Murray John
As above. Lazy Weather (DeRose-Trent). Perfect 14819, Pathe # 36638-A, mx. 107541. Vocal: Murray John.
As above. La Doodle La Da Da (Robison). Perfect 14819, Pathe # 36638-B, c. May 12, 1927. Vocal: John Richard Edward.

Deep River Orchestra.

Harlem Blues (American Suite #8) (Robison). Perfect 14821B, Pathe # 36640B.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

Dew Dew Dewy Day (Johnson-Tobias-Sherman). Perfect 14834 (Pathe # 36653A). Vocal: Bob Christe.

WILLARD ROBISON (Volume 5)
From John Leifert Collection

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

Dew Dew Dewey Day (Johnson-Tobias-Sherman). Perfect 14834. Vocal: Bob Christe.

Deep River Orchestra.

(I'm In Heaven When I See You Smile) Diane (Rapee-Pollock). Perfect 14875, New York, c. September 17, 1927. Vocal: Deep River Quintet.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

My Blue Heaven (Donaldson-Whiting). Perfect 14875, New York, c. September 17, 1927. Vocal: Deep River Quartet.

Levee Loungers (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Tin Pan Parade (Gillespie-Whiting). Perfect 14904, Mx. 107896-2. Vocal: Deep River Quartet.
As above. There's A Rickety Rackety Shack (Tobias-Turk). Perfect 14904, Mx. 107906-3. Vocal: Joe Wilbur.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

Lovely Lady (Woods-Stamper-Levey). Perfect 14907. Vocal: Paul Hagen.
As above. My Blue Ridge Mountain Home (Carson Robison). Perfect 14940. Vocal: Charlie Barnes.
As above. Together (DeSylva-Brown-Henderson). Perfect 14948, New York, c. January 30, 1928. Vocal: Charlie Barnes.

"Doc" Ross & the Hotel Rice Orchestra (Willard Robison Orchestra).

The Grass Is Greener (Way Down Home) (Yellen-Dougherty). Perfect 14948. Vocal: Arthur Hall.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

Little Mother (Rapee-Pollock) (from Four Sons). Perfect 14953, Mx. 108078-1, New York, c. March 7, 1928. Vocal: Billy Jones.
As above. So Tired (Sizemore-Little). Perfect 14953, Mx. 108072-2. Vocal: David Gay (Irving Kaufman)

Levee Loungers (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Waitin' For Katy (Kahn-Shapiro). Perfect 14973, New York, April 1928. Vocal: Fred Howe (Scrappy Lambert). (possibly Fud Livingston, ts).
As above. Get Out and Get Under the Moon (Tobias-Jerome-Shay). Perfect 14979, Mx. 108178-?, New York, c. May 30, 1928. Vocal: Charles Barnes. (This title listed under "Sam Lanin").

Miami Royal Palm Orchestra (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Get Out and Get Under the Moon (alternate take). Cameo 8236, Mx. 108178-1 ("3161" is a control number), New York, c. May 30, 1928. Vocal: Charles Barnes. (Also listed under "Sam Lanin").

Majestic Dance Orchestra (Willard Robison Orchestra).

There's A Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder (Jolson-Dreyer-Rose). Perfect 15034, Mx. 108313-1, New York, c. August 10, 1928. Vocal: Jack Manning (Irving Kaufman). (Jimmy Dorsey, cl-as).

Dixie Daisies (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Crazy Rhythm (Meyer-Kahn). Romeo 720, Mx. 3292-A, New York, c. August 10, 1928 (same session as Perfect 15034). Vocal: Irving Kaufman. (Listed under "Bob Haring") (Jimmy Dorsey, cl-as).

Levee Loungers (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Easy Goin' (Trent-DeRose). Perfect 15064, Mx. 108398-1, New York, c. September 26, 1928. Vocal: Willis Night Hawks.

Willard Robison & His Deep River Orchestra.

My Melancholy Baby (Norton-Burnett). Master MA 109, Mx. M-161-1, New York, March 4, 1937.
As above. Memphis Blues (W.C. Handy). Master MA 1009, Mx. M-164-2, New York, March 4, 1937. Vocal: Willard Robison.

Willard Robison & His Orchestra.

Go Home And Tell Your Mother (That I Love You) (composer. Baer-Rusell-Schuster). Perfect 14895. Vocal: Joe Sherman.

Willard Robison (voice & piano).

Deep River Blues (Handy-Green). Perfect "Demonstration Record" (no issue number), Mx. E-2463-A . "32201-B" engraved on label.

Deep River Orchestra (Willard Robison Orchestra).

Darby Hicks "American Suite No. 3" (composer Willard Robison). Perfect "Demonstration Record" (no issue number, but "35563-B" engraved on label. Mx. C-2570-A.

Blue Water Yacht Club Orchestra (probably Willard Robison Orchestra).

I've Changed My Mind (Gene Austin). UNLISTED. Cameo 8171, Mx. 2933-C. Vocal: Irving Kaufman.

Society Night Club Orchestra (Williard Robison's Deep River Orchestra).

What A Wonderful Wedding That Will Be (Kahal-Wheeler-Fain). UNLISTED. Cameo 8171, Pathe Mx. 107979-2, ca. December 17, 1927. Vocal: Fred Wilson.

Miami Royal Palm Orchestra (Willard Robison Orchestra).

I'm Riding To Glory (With A Glorious Girl). (Composer Dixon-Woods). Cameo 8205, Mx. 3016.

WILLARD ROBISON VOLUME SIX

"Willard Robison and His Deep River Music".
10" CORAL LP, CRL 56096,

OLD FOLKS
REVOLVIN' JONES
MOONLIGHT MISSISSIPPI (A WHISTLE STOP TOWN)
RUN FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE NELLY
GUESS I'LL GO BACK HOME
SHARECROPPIN' BLUES
BOOK AT MY BEDSIDE
HEARD A MOCKING BIRD SINGING (IN CALIFORNIA)

Nine '20s 78s by various bands featuring Robison

BUSSE'S BUZZARDS (Willard Robison, piano)

Deep Elm (Victor 19727)

WILLARD ROBISON'S DEEP RIVER FOUR

Joline (Autograph 600-A) (Marsh Labs-1924 electric!) euphonium by John Jarman
The Rhythm Rag (Autograph 600-B)

WILLARD ROBISON ORCHESTRA

Take In the Sun, Hang Out the Moon (Perfect 14747, vocal by W. Neff)
Calling (Perfect 14747B, vocal by W. Neff)
Flapperette (Perfect 14836)
Lotus Love (Perfect 14836B)
I Fell Head Over Heels In Love (Perfect 14908, vocal by Vic Hall)
When The Morning Glories Wake Up In the Morning (Perfect 14908B, vocal by Paul Hagen)

Robison songs as recorded by other artists (more to come!)

T'AIN'T SO, HONEY T'AIN'T SO: Ted Weems and his Orchestra (1933)
PEACEFUL VALLEY: Jack Teagarden (not from THINK WELL OF ME album)
A COTTAGE FOR SALE: Billy Eckstine (National 78)
MOONLIGHT MISSISSIPPI (A WHISTLE STOP TOWN): Rosemary Clooney
DON'T SMOKE IN BED: Peggy Lee (Rendezvous With Peggy Lee)
I'M SORRY 'BOUT THE WHOLE DARN THING: Woody Herman and his Orchestra, narration and vocal by Woody Herman (1952) (Mars 78, Woody's own label).
DON'T TELL A MAN ABOUT HIS WOMAN: Jack Teagarden (second of two Teagarden / Robison items not from Think Well Of Me album)

Volume Seven
From the Collection of MF

We don't have a complete (or even incomplete) track list for this one, but it consists of two segments:

1 - what "MF" calls "late songs," WR tunes demonstrated by him (p & v), a whole bunch of tunes I've never heard any place else.

2 - Radio Material! Excerpts from two 1934 broadcasts featuring WR and his Deep River Orchestra. Fascinating stuff!----

More WR coming soon:

* I want to organize as many of the p & v tracks as I can into a one or two disc subset that will hopefully be somewhat comprehensive. However, I'm still trying to get ahold of the discography (compiled by the late Brian Boyd) that lists all his p & v sides, which are not in any of the Rust books - well, they oughta!

* There are three '40s albums of 78s dedicated to WR, the Tony Pastor Cosmo collection, the Capitol set with Johnny Mercer and others, and WR himself on Coral. The last of the three is already on our WR #6, but we just received (again from MF) the actual digital master of the Coral 10" LP! So I'll put all three of these on one cool CDR at some point.

See also our volume of private Annette for more really rare Robison!

misc unrelated notes on Robison:

PEACEFUL VALLEY: Charlie Barnet
PEACEFUL VALLEY: New Paul Whiteman Sextet - two versions
OLD FOLKS: Bing Crosby (On CD?)

THE DEVIL IS AFRAID OF MUSIC: Casa Loma Orch (from transcription, if I can find the Jazum? LP that it was on)
I GUESS I'LL GO BACK HOME THIS SUMMER: Mildred Bailey (On CD?)
I GUESS I'LL GO BACK HOME THIS SUMMER: Glenn Miller (if I can find it)

SUMMER MUSIC - CHARLOP & MOORE concord cd / maybeck
Hi Will,

The radio show was Robison. He did "A Cottage For Sale" and maybe another
song. I think it was from the 1940's. I can't find it, but it's around
the house here somewhere. I'll take a look for it over the weekend.

These Robison 78's that I have aren't on your list:

PERFECT 12287 MARY LOU (WR)
PERFECT 12287-B WHY DO YA ROLL THOSE EYES? (WR)

PERFECT 14743-B PIANO TUNER'S DREAM "AMERICAN SUITE NO. 2" (DRO)

I also have these 78's, but they are on the list, although not necessarily
on the same lable:

VICTOR 22446-A DON'T EVER BE 'FRAID TO WADE THOSE TROUBLED WATERS (WR BWO)
VICTOR 2246-B THERE'S RELIGION IN RHYTHM (WR BWO)

PERFECT 12294 I'D LOVE TO CALL YOU MY SWEETHEART (WR)
PERFECT 12294-B HUGS AND KISSES (WR)

PERFECT 14813 JUST LIKE A BUTTERFLY (WR&O)

PERFECT 14875 (I'M IN HEAVEN WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE) DIANE (DRO)
PERFECT 14875-B MY BLUE HEAVEN (WR&O)

PERFECT 14895-B GO HOME AND TELL YOUR MOTHER (THAT I LOVE YOU) (WR&O)

PERFECT 14834 DEW DEW DEWEY DAY (WR&O)

VICTOR 21651-A 'TAINT SO, HONEY, 'TAINT SO (WR BWO)
VICTOR 21651-B DEEP RIVER BLUES (WR BWO)

I also have a 10" CORAL LP, CRL 56096, "Willard Robison and His Deep River
Music". It has the following songs, all written by Robison:

OLD FOLKS
REVOLVIN' JONES
MOONLIGHT MISSISSIPPI (A WHISTLE STOP TOWN)
RUN FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE NELLY
GUESS I'LL GO BACK HOME
SHARECROPPIN' BLUES
BOOK AT MY BEDSIDE
HEARD A MOCKING BIRD SINGING (IN CALIFORNIA)

I hope this helps.

Bob