Vincent Lopez and his Orchestra: "Nola & Other Piano Instrumentals"

This LP was released in 1959,

when Vincent Lopez and his Orchestra

had already been household names

for nearly forty years.

"Nola," written by Felix Arndt,

was Vincent Lopez' theme song

from his earliest days on radio.

Vincent Lopez' orchestra was among

the first true "big band/swing" ensembles.

Here's a nice "soundie" compilation from 1939:

Vincent Lopez and his Orchestra with Betty Hutton

Read more about Vincent Lopez HERE.

Benny Goodman: "The Great Benny Goodman"

Released in 1956,

this is a terrific compilation album,

part of Columbia's commemoration

of 25 years of recording Benny Goodman.

Among others, this recording also includes

Harry James, Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, and Lionel Hampton.

Benny Goodman: "B. G. in Hi-Fi"

Released in 1954.

This is a wonderful collection of Benny Goodman's tunes.

For those who might not actually know this

"Hi-Fi" was a very popular term back in the 1950s-'60s.

It stood for "high fidelity" which was a reference to audio recording and playback devices,

for the average consumer usually a phonograph turntable

connected to "high-end" speakers housed in an attractive wooden cabinets or "console."

The "hi-fi" was a standard piece of furniture in many American homes.

Anyway, Benny Goodman's stellar music-making

should not be upstaged by the playback equipment!

Read more about Benny Goodman HERE.