Various Artists - The Jubilee Shows, Vol. 4: Nos. 77 & 78

The hour of music on this CD's 20 tracks was recorded during two broadcasts in Hollywood on May 1st, 1944, by the Armed Forces Radio Services for the U.S. military oversees in W.W.II. As usual, these shows - known as the Jubilee shows - featured the absolute best talent of the day, here including two famous orchestras - those of FLETCHER HENDERSON and COOTIE WILLIAMS - and three top singing acts: LENA HORNE, ELLA FITZGERALD and THE INK SPOTS, plus a comedy act and the gospel group THE CHARIOTEERS. Fletcher Henderson's unique arrangements, utilizing 'conversations' between sections of the band, helped start the Swing Era and Benny Goodman's success (Henderson arranged for Goodman's orchestra). Ella Fitzgerald was already at the peak of her popularity at this time, having just won the Metronome and Downbeat jazz polls for best female vocalist.