Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

and a PRIME MINISTER Brilliant Song Hits Drip Off the Energetic Pen of Harry Barris, and a Trio of Singing High School Boys Help Him Put Them Over in a Big Way OF RHYTHM by Don Mack tell you, is their youth. Each of the boys is 18. They are all clean-cut, good-looking, and have natural, unassuming mike presences that have won the hearts of their listeners and those who are fortunate enough to frequent the Grove and see for themselves. They are pleasant and likeable, and are popular with the management because they are still grateful and appreciative of the opportunity given them. There is no indication of high-hattedness in any of them. They are making nice salaries, and of course, as boys will be boys, each has bought a shiny, pastel-shaded automobile. When Harry Barris, that versatile comedian, song-writer and pianist, returned to the Grove, he found the Ambassadors an ideal trio to work with. And with Loyce Whiteman, Don Novis and Gus Arnheim to help put over his songs, Harry dug in and has turned out a number of hits destined for a place in Tin Pan Alley's fall of fame, if there is such a thing. With such song hits as "Mississippi Mud," "Blackbirds and Bluebirds," "That's Grandma," "From Monday On," and many others already to his credit, Harry Barris is already numbered among the best popular song-writers. In Denver. Harry is another home town boy who has made good. He went to East High school there, where he was recognized as the hottest pianoplayer in school. He organized a fivepiece orchestra and was in demand all over town — if you hadn't danced to Harry Barris' band, you simply hadn't danced. When Harry finished high school, Mrs. Barris decided it was time for her son to get down to business, realize that life wasn't a jazz band, and go to college. So little Harry promptly and dutifully enrolled as a freshman at Colorado University, at Boulder, and settled down to finish his culture in a serious and scholarly manner. He had barely got his trunk unpacked and his toothbrush hung on a nail, when he was informed that his presence was no longer required at the university. Harry thought perhaps the fact that he had been kicked out of the fraternity house for playing the piano loudly and indiscriminately during the wee hours several times in one week, might have had something to do with it. At any rate, so ended his college career, and Harry Barris loosed himself on the musical world. The years that followed were colorful and hectic ones for Harry. Starting with Gus Edwards, he went the rounds. For a long time he was with Paul Ashe, and in 1921 joined Paul Whiteman, where the Rhythm Boys were organized, including Harry, Al Rinker and Bing Crosby. This famous organization lasted until a short time ago. Since his return to the Ambassador Hotel and Gus Arnheim, Harry has Harry Barris written, in a few months' time, several numbers that have been national hits. From his energetic pen has flowed such enchanting songs as "I Surrender, Dear," "It Must Be True," "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," and more recently, "At Your Command," "What Is It?" "Chances Are," and "I Got the Ritz from the One I Love." Every one is a best seller. Harry is one of those temperamental artists who write as the urge comes to them. He doesn't sit down and say, "Now I'm going to write a song, what [Turn to Page 40] RADIO DOINGS