‘Stardust’ in the Palace today. This was initially a quick composition, but as the tempo slowed and words were written, ‘Stardust’ evolved into a timeless classic.
Hoagy Carmichael, originally trained as a lawyer, shifted his career path after the success of his composition ‘Stardust’, following in the footsteps of his mother, who was a pianist at cinemas.
Bix Beiderbecke introduced him to Paul Whiteman’s band, which eventually led him to Hollywood.
This transition marked the beginning of an illustrious career for Carmichael as a songwriter, singer, pianist, and even a film actor.
Although he excelled in moving songs like ‘I Get Along Without You Very Well’, he particularly gained fame for songs with a pleasant, relaxed vibe such as: ‘Lazy Bones’, ‘In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening’, ‘Rockin’ Chair’, ‘Memphis in June’ and ’Two Sleepy People’.
Enjoy this hour-long delve into the oeuvre of Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981). Also featured: Ella Fitzgerald (‘Star Dust Bossa Nova’), Ray Charles & Count Basie (‘Georgia on my mind’), Paul Robeson, Rosemary Clooney (‘I get along without you very well’), Bette Middler, Bix Beiderbecke (‘Riverboat Shuffle’), Louis Armstrong, Sue Raney (‘Heart and soul’), Chris Connor (‘Baltimore Oriole’) and Dick Haymes (‘Skylark’).
