[Dixielandjazz] Arthur Godfrey

[Harold Smith]

Hi, Leslie--long time no talk.

The "Janet" you mentioned was likely Janet Davis.  Betcha a nickel that
the tune you were thinking of was not "Pistol Packin' Mama," but
probably was "I didn't Know the Gun Was Loaded!", a recording she made
circa 194849 with the Godfrey Vocal Group called "The Mariners."

I recall the Godfrey Talent Scouts radio show back in 1947-48, and I
definitely remember George Shearing appearing on it before he made the
big splash with "September in the Rain."

I further remember a group called "The Soft Winds" in 1947 doing a thing
called "I Told Ya I Loved Ya---Now Get Out!", which Stan Kenton picked
up and had a hit record with it.  June Christy did the vocal.  The Soft
Winds were also introduced on the Godfrey show.

Hope to write a new song, "Trivial Things Mean a Lot."

Best Regards,  Harold Smith