Jimmie Lunceford—”My Blue Heaven” (1935)

On December 23, 1935, Jimmy Lunceford and his Orchestra recorded one of the greatest hits of the swing era for Decca in New York. This popular song, “My Blue Heaven,” was originally composed for the Ziegfield Follies of 1927 by New Yorker Walter Donaldson (1893-1947) with lyrics by Chicagoan George Whiting (1884-1943).

Jimmy Lunceford and his Orchestra: Jimmy Lunceford directing Eddie Thompson, Paul Webster and Sy Oliver-trumpets; Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles and Eddie Durham-trombones; Willie Smith-clarinet, alto and baritone saxophones; Laforet Dent-alto saxophone; Dan Grissom-clarinet and alto saxophone; Earl Carruthers-clarinet, alto and baritone saxophones; Joe Thomas-clarinet and tenor saxophone; Edwin Wilcox-piano and celeste; Eddie Durham-guitar; Al Norris-double bass and violin; and Jimmy Crawford drums. The members of the vocal trio are Willie Smith, Dan Grissom and Sy Oliver, who also wrote the arrangement.

Michigan-born Sy Oliver (1910-1988) was Jimmie Lunceford’s chief arranger from 1933 until 1939, when he joined the Tommy Dorsey orchestra as an arranger. Oliver made the Lunceford arrangements for $2.50 a piece. His original composition “For Dancers Only” -- which I posted some months ago -- became the theme song of the Lunceford band.