Ralph Flanagan's Rodgers and Hammerstein LPs

After making nine or 10 singles for RCA's Bluebird subsidiary, Ralph Flanagan moved on to the main label in December 1949 for sessions that would produce the first of two Rodgers and Hammerstein collections that RCA would issue by him and his Miller-inflected band. This post collates the two collections, by request.

Rita Hayes

The composer and lyricist had only been a team since 1942, but had already produced three massive Broadway hits (Oklahoma, Carousel and South Pacific), one interesting failure (Allegro) and one charming Hollywood musical (State Fair). Flanagan drew upon all these scores for his two collections. The second set (laboriously titled Ralph Flanagan Plays Rodgers & Hammerstein II for Dancing, Volume II) was largely set down in July 1951, with the addition of "What's the Use of Wond'rin'," a leftover from the second 1949 session.

As usual, vocalist Harry Prime makes an appearance, as does Rita Hayes, a good singer who also had a stint with another Millerite, Tex Beneke. Also on hand is the vocal group the Singing Winds, which was apparently Prime, Hayes, Flanagan and two band musicians.

These transfers are from the 10-inch LP versions of the albums, which also came out in 45 and 78 sets, I believe. They were in RCA's "Designed for Dancing" series, which showcased the top bands and pop composers. On the first cover, RCA made Flanagan look reasonably good with a pink complexion; they turned him an unfortunate chartreuse for the second.

Even though there are two LPs here, don't expect a huge amount of music. RCA was only offering six cuts per album in this series. The sound is very good, but there is some rustle on the second volume.

Below is a photo staged probably at the December 14, 1949 recording date. The record company had everyone show up in suits, but the bandleader forgot his hairpiece. In the band you can see (if I am not mistaken): at left, tenor sax Al Klink; in the middle of the trumpets Billy Butterfield, flanked by towering lead trumpet Jimmy Maxwell; the estimable bassist Bob Haggart; and Harry Prime at the vocal microphone. Klink and Butterfield were veterans of the Miller band.

Click to enlarge