Q. Many years ago, maybe in the ’40s, I saw Louis Armstrong in a movie where he sang a great song called Jeepers, Creepers. Can you tell me something about this song — who wrote it and when, also who recorded it? I think Armstrong did. — Milton Krasner, Boca Raton
A. Jeepers, Creepers was written in 1938 by Johnny Mercer (words) and Harry Warren (music). It was introduced by Armstrong, with an assist from Maxine Sullivan, in the 1938 movie Going Places. Armstrong had a hit record (Decca). This Academy Award nominee was No. 1 on Your Hit Parade for five weeks. It was heard in the 1949 movie My Dream Is Yours and in the 1978 movie Cheap Detective. Among the many recordings of this song are those by Gene Krupa (Brunswick); Larry Clinton, vocal by Ford Leary (Victor); Paul Whiteman, vocal by the Modernaires (Decca); Ethel Waters (Bluebird); Stan Kenton, vocal by Chris Connors (Capitol), and Lester Young (Prestige).
Q. I recently heard a song being played in a restaurant that we used to love. The waiter said it was Angela Mia. Do you know if the sheet music to that is available? — Betty Vastine, Pompano Beach
A. Angela Mia (My Angel) was written in 1928 by Lew Pollack (words) and Erno Rapee (music). It was the theme song of the 1928 movie Street Angel, starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. The sheet music for this beautiful song is included in the book More Songs of the Twenties (Decade Series). It is available at All County Music, 8136 University Drive, Tamarac, FL 33321; 954-722-3424. Ask for Annette.
Recommended
Ted Weems & His Orchestra: More 1940 Beat the Band Shows; vocals by Perry Como/whistling by Elmo Tanner. Como, the singing barber, got his first big break when Weems hired him in 1936. Como stayed with the band until 1942. This new CD has 17 familiar tunes and can be ordered from Soundcraft Compact Classics, P.O. Box 840705, Hollywood, FL 33084.
Marvin Randolph’s column answers readers’ questions relating to popular music and jazz of the early 1900s through 1960. Please! No inquiries about opera, classical, children’s. No appraisals. Requests must be written; no phone calls, please. Send your questions to Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301; attention: Musical Memories.
