[Dixielandjazz] Darktown Strutter's Ball

[Marek Boym]

"Politically correct" is travesty of the language!
Cheers

On 25/08/2008, Stephen G Barbone <barbonestreet at earthlink.net> wrote:
> I don't understand why "Darktown Strutter's Ball" should be a problem in its
> original form. It is a historically correct song written by a black composer
> that describes "black music", and "black social events". It is about the
> fancy dress balls in "Darktown"  where invites were sought by both blacks
> and whites. Perhaps even a parody of white fancy dress balls and the uppity
> folks who attended them?
>
> The song crossed racial lines and was an enormous hit, in the teens and
> 1920s, loved by both races, and remains a classic song today.
>
> There are some who theorize that Brooks was writing about a "hookers" ball
> in Chicago and that the leading socialites and politicians of both colors
> were very pleased when they were invited, and they attended. Either way,
> note well the verse:
>
> I've got some good news honey,
> An Invitation to the Darktown Ball
> It's a very swell affair,
> Highbrows will be there.
> I'll wear my high silk hat and a frocktail coat,
> You wear your Paris gown, and your new silk shawl.
> There ain't no doubt about it, babe,
> We'll be the best dressed in the hall.
>
> Who can say why Turk Murphy changed the words? Those were days well before
> the political correctness mania hit. Remember too that someone changed the
> words of Shine in 1927 or so to include shining one's shoesies.
>
> Barbone Street plays Darktown (and That's Why They Call Me Shine) just as
> they were written. We do explain what the tunes really mean and we've never
> had a problem with either blacks or whites, both in our band and in the
> audience, or self-styled political correctness police.
>
> Damn, if we are going to be super sensitive, we should also re-name Jazz Me
> Blues because it sure as hell didn't originally mean "Kiss Me Blues", (or
> play me some music) if you get my drift. The title was just a prettified
> vulgarism.
>
> Interested listees may wish to see what one 5th grade music course teaches
> about Darktown Strutters Ball at:.
>
> http://www.cstone.net/~bcp/5/5MrMusic.htm
>
> If 10 year old kids can take it, why can't we older folks?
>
> Cheers,
> Steve Barbone
> www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband
>
>
>
>
>
>
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