The record changer (Jan-Dec 1952)

15 BEHIND THE COBWEBS carl kendziora In the December 1951 and February 1952 columns we lightly touched upon the subject of which is the right name: Fannie Johnson or Viola McCoy and Julia Moody or Violet Mills. Further data have come to hand and we will delve a bit more into the subject. Viola McCoy is apparently the real name in the first case in that this name appears on Columbia, Vocation, Brunswick, Gennett, and Edison issues; all labels not so addicted to using pseudonyms. Under this fairly safe assumption, we find three other names for the same singer: Fannie Johnson, Gladys Johnson, and Susan Williams. Walter Allen has provided us with a bit of information on McCoy as follows. (Initials in parentheses after issue show name used on label.) Recorded in New York probably about December 1926 — I'm Saving It All For 7om(2219-C) Romeo 302(MM), Cameo 1066(FJ); Papa If You Can't Do Better (2220-B) . . . Romeo 302 (VM), Cameo 1066(FJ). Probably about February or March 1927— "Git" Gain' (2261-C) ( 1 10-A on Romeo) . . . Romeo 374(VM), Cameo 1097(VM), Lincoln 2612(SW) ; Some Day You'll Come Back To Me{2262-B) (111-A on Romeo) . . . Romeo 374(VM), Cameo 1097(VM), Lincoln 2612(SW), Variety 5048 (GJ). Probably about March 1927— Slow Up Papa{2364-C) (199-A on Romeo) . . . Romeo 375(VM), Cameo 1144(FJ), Variety 5048 (GJ) ; Fortune Teller Blues (2365-B) (200-A on Romeo) . . . Romeo 375(VM), Cameo -1144(FJ). Probably about April 1927 — Black Snake Blues (2447-C )/Soul And Borfy(2448-B) . . . Romeo 385 (VM), Variety 5058 (GJ). There are a couple of strange things here. First of all, on two of the Romeo issues there are false master numbers substituted for the actual Cameo ones. This is not the usual practice and it is very peculiar that they use false numbers on Romeo 374 and 375 but not on 302 and 385! The Index To Jazz indicates that Variety 5048 uses the Romeo false numbers listing: Some Day . . . (Uln-l) /Slow Up . . .(199a-l). And the connection between Cameo and company with Variety is also unexpected ; we have not run across this state of affairs before. Secondly, it is very odd that a pseudonym is used on the main label, Cameo, while the real name is used on Romeo. This would be the reverse to what one would expect. And note that one Cameo, 1097, uses McCoy instead of the Fannie Johnson alias! All of this is very strange and clarification would prove most helpful. Walter furnishes another coupling of two of the titles but these would seem to be different masters by another vocalist. All of the McCoy issues listed have accompaniment by cornet and piano. The following has accompaniment of cornet and piano, plus clarinet/soprano on first side only; Papa If You Can't Do Better (6781-4) /I'm Saving It All For You (6852-2) on Domino 3852 as by Sara Johnson. The latter side is also on Oriole 746 as by Gladys White with false master 517-2. The same titles turn up on Pathe-Perfect releases at this time but no connection seems probable. These are : Rosa Henderson— Slow Up Papa/Hock-Shop Blues on Per 122— Pat 7522, released April 1927; Git Goin' /Some Day You'll Come Back To Me on Per 119 — Pat 7519, released April 1927; Black Snake Moan/Fortune Teller Blues on Per 129 — Pat 7529, released August 1927; I'M Saving It All For You/Gay Cattin' Daddy on Per 134— Pat 7534, released October 1927. Sis Quander — Black Snake Blues /Soul And Body on Per 130 — Pat 7530, released Auerust 1927. Accom paniments for these are unknown and info for these and the others mentioned earlier would be most welcome. Comments on the whole situation are solicited. Label of the Month: This month's entry is another member of the Paramount family, National (see our Label of the Month and column for February 1951). This label is usually said to be tied to the 20000 Para series as we discuss in detail in February 1951. However it is not supposed to correlate with an 1100 series as Puritan, Triangle, et al (e.g.— Para 20388 equals Na 11388) but is supposed to be in a 12000 series instead! Also it is usually credited to the National Record Exchange, Iowa City, Iowa. This one, shown here, seems to contradict all known facts concerning the label. It is in the 11000 series and carries the name of the National Certificate Corporation, New York!!! The side shown is National 11198— Who Did You Fool After All (1256-2) by Irving Kaufman with Prince's Dance Orchestra. The reverse is Loose Feet(12641) by Joe Samuels Jazz Band. The label is dark blue with the word "National" in white rimmed with gold. All other lettering and the outer band are gold. The round spot at the top which shows only as a blank spot in the accompanying cut is actually a white circle with open gold letters "NCC" and the words "National Certificate Corporation" in solid gold letters on a pennant across the "NCC." The Orchestra side is poor with a stiff band and awful vocal but the reverse is fair early rickey-tick jazz. The record has a real early sound, perhaps pre-dating the National Record Exchange version of this label? Digest this one with our comments in February 1951 column and then any comments, clarifications, and further data will be most welcomed. Send your stuff (and don't forget the Pathe-Perfect data for the Project!) to me at 74 South Road, Harrison, N. Y. or c/o the Changer and we'll see you next month. Records Bought Collections, Small and Large JAZZ— SWING— SWEETBLUES— PERSONALITY Have you a collection for disposition? If so, please write, specifying in detail the type, artists, labels and especially the condition. Forward itemized listing if possible, together with minimum price acceptable to you. Some dealers' prewar stocks will be considered. Write JOHN McANDREW 2569 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn 26, N. Y. LEWIN RECORD OUTLET "Hit's Been Recorded We Hare It " The Largest Stock of ORIGINAL COLLECTOR'S ITEMS on the WEST COAST. Please submit bids on any records advertised, bearing in mind that the guaranteed grading will not be less than Ex. All winners will be notified within one week. Try our method for the most satisfactory results. Fastest and Most Efficient Mail Order Specialists in the U. S. A. S600 Hollywood Boulevard LOS ANGELES, CALIF. PHONE HILL 8088