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The portrait above is of Marcus and Catherine Messner and their five sons, Fred, Dick, Bill, Charlie and Johnny.  Johnny is the youngest, third from the right. For several years in the 1930s, the brothers all played together in the Messner Brothers Orchestra. When brother Dick retired from the band business, Johnny took over, renaming the group the Johnny Messner Orchestra. On this week’s edition of the show you’ll hear an in-depth biography of Johnny and hear three of the band’s recordings from the late 1930s. The photograph above is courtesy of Johnny’s youngest son, Barry, who is still very much with us and generously assisted with the segment on his father. In other segments, we’ll also celebrate the birthdays of  Abe Harris, Jack Mahoney and Sam Theard. And we’ll take a musical stroll down Lenox Avenue. 

There’s lots of great music and interesting information, so set aside an hour with your favorite beverage and be magically transported back to a different–and we think better–musical era.  Click on the audio player above to listen streaming online and/or download the show for listening at your convenience.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!
ENJOY THE SHOW!

Here’s the complete playlist:

Segment 1: Sam Theard

Doodle It Back – Lovin’ Sam From Down In ‘Bam
Rubbin’ On That Darned Old Thing – Lovin’ Sam Theard (The Mad Comic)
You Rascal You – The Blue Lyres at the Dorchester Hotel / Joe Crossman & Chorus, v.

Segment 2: Abe Harris

Louisiana, That’s My Home – Harris Brothers Texans
What Do I Care, It’s Home – Phil Romano and His Hotel Clinton Orchestra / Elmer Feldkamp, v.
In My Dear Old Southern Home – The Monroe Brothers

Segment 3: Jack Mahoney

Blue Night – Colonial Club Orchestra / Oliver Smith, v.
You’re Drifting Away From Me – J. Donald Parker
When You Wore A Tulip And I Wore A Big Red Rose – Golden Memory Boys

Segment 4: Johnny Messner

The Devil And The Devil – Johnny Messner and His Music Box Band / Johnny Messner, v.
Midnight On The Trail – Johnny Messner and His Music Box Band / Johnny Messner, v.
(Ho-dle-ay) Start The Day Right – Johnny Messner and His Music Box Band / Johnny Messner, v.

Segment 5: Lenox Avenue

Lenox Avenue Blues – Fats Waller (Organ Solo)
Lenox Avenue Shuffle – Texas Blues Destroyers