Hi Everybody!! Another great show is up on the website for your enjoyment!! And although it is a regular edition of the program, I found out this past week that Claire Barry, the surviving half of the fabulous Barry Sisters, passed away on November 30th at the age of 94. The story was not reported in the Washington papers so it wasn’t until this past week that I saw the obituary on the web. Therefore, on this show I am presenting, from my side of the table, many recordings tracing the career of this famous Jewish duo, with many rare recordings. In addition to this special tribute, there is other great music for you to enjoy as well! Ben and I thank you very much for your support and we remind you to be our ambassadors, to spread the good word about the program by forwarding the website to everyone you can. We appreciate it!! Now, here’s this week’s great lineup!
PROGRAM OF SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015
Ohavei Hashem-Mordechai Ben David-1977
Hallelu Es Hashem-Monsey Boys Choir-1993
Todah Rabah-Ricki Gal-1979
Bist Mein Velt (You Are My World)-Barry Sisters-Their first recording when they were still known by their original name, the Bagelman Sisters. Recorded for Victor on August 24, 1939.
From 1939 to 1955, the Barry Sisters appeared on the radio program “Yiddish Swing Time” broadcast over WHN in New York. Here is the opening and song “In Meine Oigen Bist Du Shayn” (In My Eyes You Are Beautiful) from a 1941 broadcast.
From 1939 until 1952, the Barry Sisters recorded principally for RCA Victor and continued with them until RCA Victor discontinued making 78’s in 1952. Here are three from that series:
1. Halevai-The Barry Sisters together with Moishe Oysher-1947
2. Chanah From Havana-Barry Sisters-1951
3. Makin’ Whoopee-Barry Sisters-1952
From 1958 to 1964, the Barry Sisters recorded a series of LP’s for Roulette Records. As their popularity increased and they became famous around the world with non-Jewish audiences as well from their concert tours and their appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” they also recorded two albums of general music in addition to the Jewish LP’s. Here are two selections from the Roulette series:
1. V’Yoch T’yoch T’yoch-1958
2. Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey-1962
From 1965 to 1968, the Barry Sisters made several LP’s for the ABC-Paramount label. Here is a very nice selection from that series:
Mein Zindeleh (My Little Son)-1965
In 1973, they recorded what was to be their last album. The death of Myrna Barry in 1976 brought an end to the act, although Claire performed as a single artist for many years. Here is a very nice Yiddish version of “My Way” in Yiddish “Mein Veg”
On the Cantorial Feature, two very nice selections by Cantor Saul Hammerman, famous in Baltimore for many years. Born in 1926 in New York, after serving in the Navy in World War II as a chaplain and appearing in the New York area, he became Cantor of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. He served them until his retirement in 1997. After that he was Chazzan Emeritus, until he passed away in 2008. Here are two selections by this fine Chazzan:
1. V’Haarev No-1958
2. V’Al Yedei Avodecho-1968
BEN’S SELECTIONS ON THE PROGRAM:
Adam Zoveir Zichronot-Manginah
Didoh Beh-Avraham Fried
Shtayim B’Laylah-Moshe Peretz
Ki Shaim Hashem-Eli Gerstner
Shir Hamalos-Yeshiva Boys Choir
Ma Tovu-Shalsheles, Jr.
Well, that’s the line-up for this week. It is a very special tribute to one of the most famous acts of Jewish music of all time. Ben and I hope you enjoy everything we have for you! Enjoy and have a great week!!