[Dixielandjazz] Re: George Rock - Minka

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Stan, Bob and Bill,
Jack Mirtle, in his definitive bio-discography, 'Thank You Music Lovers'
(1986. Greenwood Press) has this to say:
""Minka", the show-stopper solo of George Rock, was a carry-over from his
'Schicklefritz' days when he inherited the solo from Fischer's previous
trumpeter, Nels Laakso. Laakso had recorded it as "Trumpet Blues" for the
"Korn Kobblers' a 'Schnicklefritz' spin-off group (as were the
'Doowackadoodlers".)
"Minka" was based on a traditional melody with variations as featured and
recorded as "Russian Fantasie" ([Jules]Levy) by Herbert L Clarke. It is a
fair and safe estimation that Rock played his version of "Minka", variously
arranged, an average of once daily for the next ten years - from one to a
high of six performances per working day."

As to Bill's query, who wrote the children's melody "Twinkle Twinkle Little
Star"?
An easy one.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Kind regards,
Bill.