The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Monday, February 10, 2014

"And In This Corner, Playing The Bass Clarinet . . . ." - Wait, what?

WWII Wrestling Bond Drive
Talk about mixed media.  According to this post on the National World War II Museum blog, in January 1944, the Houston, Texas "War Sports Activities Committee" hosted a unique war bond fundraising event featuring championship wrestling accompanied by classical music performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra.  The event raised over $7,000,000, but apparently one disgruntled wrestler blamed the orchestra for his loss, citing the distracting music.

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