The talking machine world (Jan-June 1928)

LEMINGSWORLMIIISI Irving Berlin Publishing Book on "How I Write a Popular Song" Internationally Known Composer Will, for First Time, Give Information Regarding Methods of Composing and Lyric Writing — Released Soon "Do they write the words to fit the music or the music to fit the words," is the query Irving Berlin often heard regarding the work of the successful songwriter. This and other similar ques tions will soon be answered, for Irving Berlin, regarded as the outstanding and most popular success in the writing of popular songs, has written a book scheduled for release in the near future, entitled, "How I Write a Popular Song." This will be the first time that Mr. Berlin has made public any information regarding his methods of composing and lyric writing, and he is doing so because of the thousands of letters which he has received asking for information of the nature of the material to be contained in the book. Among the matters which will be discussed are construction of lyrics, the setting of the melody with the words, proper phrasing, etc., and it is believed to be the first book of its type ever published. In addition to the fact that this is the first time a song writer of repute has revealed his methods of writing, Mr. Berlin is certain to make the publication one of outstanding interest, for there are few composers or authors who have been so prominent in the limelight, and he is regarded by practically everyone as standing in a class by himself in the popular music field. Mr. Berlin's book should prove an invaluable aid to amateur aspirants to songwriting fame and profits and will also prove of interest to professionals. Al Piantadosi Has Natural Ballad Hit Al Piantadosi, music publisher, 1575 Broadway, New York City, recently placed on the market a new "natural" ballad, "I'm Tired of Making Believe," which bears all the "earmarks" of proving one of the season's leaders. An offer of $15,000 was made for the rights to the composition, but Mr. Piantadosi feels that the composition, written by himself and George A. Kelley, will prove a fine leader for his catalog and is putting a strong campaign behind it. It is acknowledged by those who have heard the selection that it is a worthy successor to Piantadosi's "Curse of an Aching Heart." Other numbers in the Piantadosi catalog which are showing up well include "My Stormy Weather Pal," which was included in the Victor Talking Machine Co.'s special record release this month, played by Johnny Johnson and His Pennsylvanians. This is the second Victor record of this composition, a former recording by the Silver Masked Tenor having been released some time ago, and "Dancing Shadows," a fox-trot that has proved a favorite with many radio entertainers. ii Romona" Steadily Gaining in Favor "Romona," the waltz ballad, which has proved such a favorite with radio and stage entertainers, is steadily growing in popularity, according to officials of Leo Feist, Inc., publisher of the number. In addition to making most satisfactory sales of sheet music, record sales are expected to prove tremendous, due to the exceptionally fine recording made by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra for the Victor Talking Machine Co. While present sales on the song are gratifying to Feist officials, it is expected that wher. the film "Romona," of which the song is the theme, is released the tie-up will give the composition an added impetus, which is certain to resolve itself into more profits for dealers. Organist Features Sam Fox Popular Hit Jesse Crawford, the popular organist of the Paramount Theatre, New York City, gave the. fiist special presentation of the Sam Fox Pub Jesse Crawford Hshing Co.'s song "Starlight and Tulips" throughout the week commencing February 18 Alfred Bryan and Pete Wendling, well-known hit writers, have produced in "Starlight and Tulips" a melody classic which lent itself readily to Jesse Crawford's master hands. He first introduced it in ballad style, then in a waltz "clog theme," closely followed by playing the melody in Oriental style, then a resounding Sousa conception. The lyrics were then thrown on the screen as Crawford returned to the irresistible melody of "Starlight and Tulips" in its simplified form. Near the close of the presentatiot* a further dramatic touch was added by the lighting effects arranged for the occasion. The house grows dim preceding the closing chorus, and as the organist enters into the final strains of the melodious "Starlight and Tulips" illujninated colored lights appeared on the organ and twinkling stars were also seen. When the lighting effects reached their full height a massed bed of starlights and tulips appeared. FIVE RECORD RECORD RREAKERS / mm m m a a a a\ /a m a m a a a ar\ aaaaaaaan ar a a a a m a ajk* ^ m. m m m m. m y jaamattm J* w U. No Matter How Hi S You Slice It IT'S BOLOCNY i m. amammaam 'faraaaaaa ~*MMMWWMM BELOVED Ua m a a a a a jat, [/ a a a a a a al^ *w a a * r m m a 9 a m am m a a a a\ Mammmmmmm jWma'amm'ah AWaa'a'a'^i 7\ % a ft L SUNSHINE ft Jt WHEN l/ fi m a a a w a a 1 *h S \aaaaaaaaJ mk Taaaaaaa m La J aaaaaaa'lj nraa m m m m mM\ fm a. " m m m m m§ \ % I'mCrylng 'Caume I'M LOSING YOU i/m m * m m * m a m m a * * m x m m f a-m-m't 5 ABOVE SONGS FEATURED BY ORCHESTRA AND VAUDEVILLE ACTS FROM COAST TO COAST IRVING BERLIN INC., 1607 Broadway, New York 101