138 episodes

A weekly musical podcast diving into popular music of the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

The Bad Piano Player John Wing Jr.

    • Music
    • 4.9 • 19 Ratings

A weekly musical podcast diving into popular music of the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

    Kahal & Fain

    Kahal & Fain

    This week, Fortnight Tuesday brings two more giants of the American songbook, the team of Irving Kahal, lyricist, and Sammy Fain, composer, both members of the Songwriters' Hall Of Fame, and two men we've featured before, but at last they get the singular honor of their own private, six-song episode. Tune in, my beauties, and be enchanted.

    • 36 min
    Ralph Rainger

    Ralph Rainger

    This week, the Bad Piano Player assays the redoubtable Ralph Rainger; composer, arranger, accompanist, preparer of piano rolls, bandleader, and oh yes, lawyer. Film composer nonpareil in a bright but short career. You may not have heard of him, but you have heard him. Tune in, Raingers!

    • 34 min
    Victor Schertzinger

    Victor Schertzinger

    This week, the bad piano player features violinist, composer, director, screenwriter, and in his time, Da Hardest Workin' Man in Show Bidness. Say hello to Victor Schertzinger, director of 88 films and holder of 146 soundtrack credits. Tune in, kids. It's gonna be epic.

    • 35 min
    Jack Little

    Jack Little

    This week, the Bad Piano Player assays a composer/bandleader/singer you've never heard of. I swear! Radio and recording star of the 1930's Jack Little, who was of course known as Little Jack Little, not to be confused with the vaudeville Little Jack Little, who was only four feet five inches tall. No! Not that guy. The other guy! Tune in, kids. Gonna be epic.

    • 33 min
    Sam Coslow II

    Sam Coslow II

    This week, the Bad Piano Player does his second foray into the incredible career of songwriter Sam Coslow. From New York, Tin Pan Alley, to Hollywood, and finally, Wall Street. As always, with songs! Tune in, kids.

    • 35 min
    Songbook: Old Friends

    Songbook: Old Friends

    This week, the Bad Piano Player finds a songbook with old friends Mitchell Parish, Carl Sigman, Frank Loesser, and Harry Warren in it. And we throw in a Mack Gordon for good measure. It's gonna be old timey and old movie as well, so get some popcorn and set a spell. Elroy, get some refreshments for our guests. 

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
19 Ratings

19 Ratings

John Hoekstra ,

High School buddy

Enjoyed the podcast. Nice to hear from you since high school. Great piano…voice not so much….lol

FOOTBALLISCOOL ,

In a world gone (truly) mad…

… your podcast provides a oasis, “with books high on the hill.” Neither cynicism nor anger have a place during these reprieves; only wit, wonderful (& often otherwise forgotten) music, & reliably above-average instrumentation (compared to my playing, anyway).

I look forward to each recurring reminder that there is indeed beauty and joy in the world, if only we take the time to listen & smile as we hum along… off-key.

Thank you

halfdeeve ,

Brilliant

Brilliant music, well researched and well performed even if the sound recordist does change every single week.

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