“Charleston-Medley” by Arthur Gibbs and His Gang 1923

[melvind]

"Charleston" Introducing "Open Your Heart"

What can I say that hasn’t been said a thousand times about this terrific song. These two songs came from the 1923 show “Runnin’ Wild”. This might not be the “hottest” version, but it is said to be the first recording of the song though its roots go way back before 1923 to the mid-19th century.

“Charleston-Medley” by Arthur Gibbs and His Gang 1923

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)

https://youtu.be/7kjr21cuYn4

[gramophone-georg]

This song was such an unknown when this was issued that you'll notice it's on the "B" side. I do believe you are correct that this is the first recording of this tune that spawned a dance craze two years later. While this version may be "slowed down", I think it flows nicely musically and is historically quite significant.

[epigramophone]

What a super record. The chances of finding it in the UK are minimal, so does anyone know whether HMV issued it over here?

How nice to see a picture of the Temperance Seven. In the 1960's when most teenagers were buying what I call "Yeah Yeah" music by the Beatles and their many imitators, the Temperance Seven was my favourite band, and "Pasadena" was my favourite among their records.

[Gramophile]

Note to Epigramophone; sadly it does not seem to have been issued here in the UK by HMV. Indeed, Arthur Gibbs seems to have made only 4 sides for Victor.

[epigramophone]

Note to Epigramophone; sadly it does not seem to have been issued here in the UK by HMV. Indeed, Arthur Gibbs seems to have made only 4 sides for Victor.

Thank you Paul. Maybe one to look out for when you next visit the USA.

[gramophone-georg]

Note to Epigramophone; sadly it does not seem to have been issued here in the UK by HMV. Indeed, Arthur Gibbs seems to have made only 4 sides for Victor.

Thank you Paul. Maybe one to look out for when you next visit the USA.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=44603

Shameless plug: I have a nice copy for sale, #25 in that list.

[donniej]

The two year lag in it's fame always reminds me of Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock", which only became popular when it was used in the movie "Blackboard Jungle".

The Arthur Gibbs version is definitely harder to find than the Paul Whiteman version (though not as desirable). Gibbs' performance of Charleston feels a bit like James P. Johnson's Okeh's from a year or two prior, they're a little more mass-market and less dance-hall I guess...