Another Milestone

Today is the 101st birthday of the late Jimmy Rushing.

You know that gag where the old-time star steps up to a modern microphone - and sounds exactly like he did on the old radio show? That was Jimmy Rushing. His classic takes were the Decca sides with Basie before WWII. But the Basie band had a reunion concert at Newport in 1957 and Jimmy Rushing came - and sounded on the modern equipment exactly like he did on the old records.

That Basie CD is pure gold. Mr. Lester Young, a mainstay of the Old Testament band, came, played his heart out, and went home to die a couple years later. And Illinois Jacquet is in the band, with a fine solo on One O'Clock Jump.

So Jimmy Rushing, thanks for the memories! Saaaa-LUTE!