A Tribute to Buddy DeSylva

Songwriter-producer Buddy DeSylva was one of the three founders of Capitol Records in 1942, so when he died in 1950, the record company issued this  memorial LP, presumably sending it to the company's executives and business associates. It was not in general circulation, as far as I can tell.

DeSylva first made his name as a lyricist, although he also wrote music at times. His first successes were writing material for Al Jolson, and it wasn't long before he was working with the illustrious George Gershwin. The song "Somebody Loves Me," featured here recently, was among the Gershwin items, dating from 1924, when DeSylva was still in his twenties.

Ray Henderson, Lew Brown and Buddy DeSylva

Shortly thereafter he formed a team with lyricist Lew Brown and composer Ray Henderson. Their most famous product was the 1927 musical Good News.

In the 1930s, he transitioned to movie production, including Shirley Temple's films (although we won't hold that against him), becoming executive producer at Paramount from 1941-44. Betty Hutton was a protégé.

During this period he also produced shows on Broadway, at one time being responsible for Panama Hattie, DuBarry Was a Lady and Louisiana Purchase.

Johnny Mercer, Glenn Wallichs and Buddy DeSylva

At Capitol, DeSylva's co-founders were composer Johnny Mercer and music store exec Glenn Wallichs. DeSylva was president from 1942-44 and remained a director until his death.

As a memorial, Capitol pressed an aircheck of a radio show dating from 1943 that spotlighted DeSylva's gifts as a lyricist. This edition of the Fitch Bandwagon was one of a number that focused on well-known songwriters.

The band on the Fitch Bandwagon at the time was that of Freddy Martin, a musicianly group if hardly avant garde. Martin was well respected in the business, particularly as an alto saxophonist. The host of the show was Tom Reddy.

Freddy Martin and Buddy DeSylva,
possibly at this show's broadcast

Martin, Reddy and DeSylva combined to produce a breathless 25 minutes, managing to cram 23 songs into the alloted space along with all manner of stiff, under-rehearsed banter. The only singer credited in this barrage was Gene Conklin, who was with Martin for several years.

This particular show in the Fitch Bandwagon series appears not to be in general circulation - so there's that for those of you who fancy OTR. The sound is good.

One wonders why Capitol didn't have its own people record a tribute to DeSylva - after all, they ran a recording studio and had a library of songs. But this is what transpired. At least they excised the ads for Fitch Shampoo. For those who feel cheated by this editing, I've enclosed several print ads in the download - including the one below. Also included are many additional photos.

Scared by Freddy Martin's music