Sound Beat

Laguardia’s Lament

The squeaky landing gear gets the grease

Spellbound

On today’s episode we’re talking electronic music…and the importance of a thorough resume.

Low Bridge!

Why did Governor Dewitt Clinton build a giant ditch across New York state? To get to the other side.

The Last Flight of the Lady Be Good

The American B-24 Bomber departed a Libyan Air Base on a bombing raid in April 1943.

Honey in the Rock

The Carter Family’s rendition of "Honey in the Rock", a Coral Record from 1949.

Whoopin’ the Blues

One of the most distinctive signature sounds in all of recorded music.

Big Stuff

Billie Holiday was known to record with ease, often needing only one take for her best studio recordings. This tune, however, was a whole different story.

The Awakening of Scrooge

You’re listening to Bransby Williams with Charles Dickens’ redeemed cheapskate.

Begin The Beguine

As a musician, Art Tatum was a true original – if a recording sounds like Tatum’s…it almost certainly IS Tatum’s.

The Devil and Niccolo Paganini

Paganini's talents made him a celebrity, but also inspired "devilish" rumors.

Der Graf von Luxemburg

It’s that age old tale of love and marriage…and money.

Lester’s Savoy Jump

Considered one of the most influential saxophonists in history, Lester “Prez” Young succeeded Coleman Hawkins at the height of the swing era.

Waltzing Matilda

Australia's unofficial anthem.

Cinderell-y Man

As far as boxing names go, there are lots of “Sugar Rays”, plenty of “Golden Boys”…but only one Cinderella Man.

Jolie Blon

Get out your Cajun dictionary...you're gonna need it.

Mary and the Lamb

Well you know this one…the first verse anyway.

Gallis Pole

Perhaps no man is more qualified to sing a song of impending execution than the "Murderous Minstrel" himself, Huddie Ledbetter.

Big Maceo

You’re listening to Big Maceo, a pioneer of Chicago Blues, and you’re on the Sound Beat.

Eddie Durham

Eddie Durham with Moten Swing.

When the Atom Bomb Fell

Up and Atom! It's the music of the Atomic Age.

Swing Time

There was only partner who really filled Fred Astaire's dance card.

Bikini Blues

Whatever can explain the bikini’s popularity? I mean…It’s not rocket science…or, is it?

New York Blues

Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann was, perhaps, one of music’s great inventors…and, probably, one of 19th-century Germany’s worst neighbors.

That’s Stovepipe No. 1, If You Please

Feel Like Going to Town?

The Harlem Hamfats...born at the wrong time.

Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop!

You’re listening to Lionel Hampton and his Orchestra with Herbie Fields on sax.

The Colonel Bogey March

One of the most famous, and best-selling, marches of all time.

Beethoven vs. Napoleon

Beethoven initially considered Napoleon a kindred spirit; indeed, they were more or less the same age, grew up in modest households, and neither had to stoop to pass through doorways.

Love, Here Is My Heart…Right Here, On My Sleeve

You’re listening to “Love, Here is My Heart” sung by Reed Miller and…

A Capitol Idea

You’re listening to “I Found A New Baby”, recorded in 1942, and…