1954 ARCHIE BLEYER Hernando's Hideaway MARIA ALBA Castanet - 78 RPM Record

Details

Description

Archie Bleyer – Hernando's Hideaway
Instrumental With Chorus
Orchestra and Chorus Conducted by Archie Bleyer, Maria Alba Castanet Soloist
From the production "The Pajama Game"
Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
78 RPM audio transfer from Bowness Arts' collection of vintage records.

Archie Bleyer – Hernando's Hideaway / S'il Vous Plait
Label: Apex 76034 (Canada)
Format: Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Released: 1954
Genre: Jazz, Pop, Showtunes
Style: Jazz Castanets
Other side of this record: S'il Vous Plait
https://youtu.be/hFcRHdC4grY

Archie Bleyer was a prolific musician, bandleader, and record producer. Born on June 12, 1909, in Corona, Queens, Bleyer's early life was steeped in music, as he began studying the violin at the age of six. He went on to attend New York University, where he played in the school orchestra and studied music theory. After graduation, Bleyer joined the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. He played the trumpet and also sang with the group, gaining valuable experience and exposure. In 1938, Bleyer formed his own big band, which quickly gained a reputation for its tight arrangements and high-energy performances. The Archie Bleyer Orchestra toured extensively throughout the United States, performing at dance halls, nightclubs, and other venues. However, Bleyer's biggest success came as a record producer. In 1952, he founded Cadence Records, which quickly became one of the most successful independent record labels of the era. Cadence released hits by a variety of artists, including Johnny Tillotson, The Everly Brothers, and Andy Williams. Bleyer also produced records for some of the biggest names in music, including Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Rosemary Clooney. Bleyer continued to produce records well into the 1960s, but by the end of the decade, he had retired from the music industry. He spent his later years in Westport, Connecticut, where he passed away on March 20, 1989. Despite his many achievements, Bleyer is often overlooked in discussions of the great producers of the 20th century. However, his legacy lives on through the music he helped create.

Maria Alba was born on March 19, 1910 in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Her birth name was Maria Casajuana, but she would later be known by her stage name, Maria Alba. From a young age, Maria showed a great interest in the arts, particularly in acting and dancing. Maria appeared in several Hollywood films, including El código penal (1931), Mr. Robinson Crusoe (1932), and Kiss of Araby (1933). She was married to Richard Jamar Burk for over 46 years, and together they had three children. Sadly, Maria's battle with Alzheimer's disease lead to her death on October 26, 1996 in San Diego, California, USA.

The Pajama Game is a musical based on the 1953 novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell. The Pajama Game, with book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and choreography by Bob Fosse in his debut, premiered on Broadway in 1954 and became an instant hit. It tells the story of Babe Williams, the head of the union grievance committee at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, and Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent who falls in love with her despite their opposing views on the factory's wage dispute. The musical features catchy songs such as "Steam Heat," "Hernando's Hideaway," and "Hey There," which have become classics of the American songbook.

Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912, the Gramophone Company established 78 rpm as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "microgroove" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.