In 1967, Billboard Magazine devoted much of their September 2nd issue to acknowledging the 70th anniversary of Robbins-Feist-Miller Music Publishers, known in the music industry then as "the Big Three". Due to copyright a link to that original Billboard Magazine September 1967 issue and a look back at The Big Three. Its early roots started in 1897 when Leo Feist opened an office in New York City to print his own songs after being turned away by existing publishers. In 1916, Jack Robbins arrives in New York City and joins his Uncle Maurice Richmond, a pioneer in the music industry. In short time Robbins, a tiger of Tin Pan Alley, becomes a driving force in musical publishing building an ever growing roster of talent. Jack Robbins in time merged and absorbed other musical publishing businesses, leading to his close involvement with MGM and the placement of musical talent & scores in the motion pictures of the day.
In 1935, a young Judy Garland auditioned for Ida Koverman, Louis B. Mayer's influential secretary and Jack Robbins MGM's talent chief. Once hearing her they brought in the studio rehearsal pianist, Roger Edens, and sent for Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM studios, to hear her. He listened quietly and after she finished singing, he immediately said, "Please prepare a contract for the services of Judy Garland as an actress." Other sources state Burton Lane brought "Frances Gumm aka Judy Garland" into see Jack Robbins that day.
Billboard Magazine published an article in their July 8th, 1946 issue based on a letter they had received from Mr. Robbins. His letter & remarks refer to the May 25 issue that contained a review of the Machito Orchestra, and the Arranger John Bartee.
Due to copyright of Billboard I will allow the article & letter from Mr. Robbins, along with the original review of Machito speak for themselves. (NOTE - click on the word, page in the document to see the complete review)
John's arranging work for Machito is further noted on page 5 "New York Doings" in the Nov/Dec 1945 newsletter The Score of ASMA (American Society of Music Arrangers) now know as ASMAC American Society of Music Composers & Arrangers
JOHN BARTEE scored a Columbia short
for Noro Morales and is making up .arrangements
for Pepi Campellio's new band, while
still continuing his regular arranging for Machito's
Orchestra, of the London Club
The "Sound" of Machito was important for it was the Fusion of Big Band Swing / Jazz with the Cuban/Latin elements. This was the basis for much of modern day " Latin" music, or as Mr. Mario Bauza preferred terming, "Afro-Cuban" music. Another over looked individual that was a decade ahead of others in the idea of this fusion was Don Aspiazu who always had it in mind that Cuban music would intermarry with American music, as it happened later with the mambo. He returned to Cuba about 1940 where in 1943 he died in obscurity.
On December 17, 2001 in Gallup, New Mexico... John Bartee also died in obscurity.
Given the longtime involvement & place Mr. Robbins has in music industry history. I find his review of the facts as they actually existed in 1946 compared to the recognition that John Lewis Bartee receives today is very much out of balance, given the weight of Mr. Robbins words.
http://www.youtube.com/user/billboardmagazine
No comments :
Post a Comment