78 RPM: Fats Waller & his Rhythm - Victor 24898

a) Louisiana Fairy Tale

written by Mitchell Parish, James "Haven" Lamont Gillespie and John Frederick Coots

performed by "Fats" Waller & his Rhythm

1979, the year I was born, gave birth to the original "how-to" television program for the inspiring "do-it-yourself-er." On 20 February of that year, PBS station WGBH in Boston introduced us to Bob Vila, Norm Abram and "This Old House." My dad loved that show and we would watch it every week. For the first 18 years, the opening minute or so was used as the show's theme song. It was not until after they stopped using this theme that I discovered the name of the song and that this was the source. It has been a personal favorite for as long as I can remember.  For me, having Louisville native Al Casey helping keep rhythm here is a bonus. It might be nice to note that Gillespie, a Covington, KY/Cincinnati, OH native, and Coots was the team responsible for "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."

b) Cinders*

written by Harry Kogen and Lou Holzer

performed by "Fats" Waller & his Rhythm

Thomas Waller - vocal, paino and celeste*
Herman Autrey - trumpet

Rudy Powell - clarinet

Al Casey - guitar

Charles Turner - bass

Harry Dial - drums

Both sides were recorded at Studio #2, 155 E. 24th St., New York City, 6 March 1935
released as Victor 24898 in May 1935