Birth Of The Blues

Album: Genius + Soul = Jazz, Impulse 2, February 1961.

The album was recorded at the Van Gelder Studios in Englewood Cliffs, on 26 and 27 December 1960.

Ralph Burns wrote a triumphant chart for this Roy Henderson composition; Ray's organ playing was brilliant.

With John Frosk, Jimmy Nottingham, Philip Guilbeau (solo), Clark Terry, Joe Wilder - trumpet; Jimmy Cleveland, Urbie Green, Keg Johnson, George Matthews - trombone; George Dorsey, Earle Warren - alto saxophone; Budd Johnson, Seldon Powell - tenor saxophone; Haywood Henry - bariton saxophone; Sam Herman - guitar; Joe Benjamin - bass; Roy Haynes - drums. Arranged by Ralph Burns.



Kennedy Center, for Sammy Davis, 1987:


Live:
From 1961 to 1964 the tune was part of the Orchestra's book, and longlisted as being ready to play at every concert. In 1987 Ray also sang the DeSylva/Brown lyrics.

'87 TV Sammy

Ray Charles Honors Sammy Davis (1987)

Still from the Kennedy Honors show.

On December 30, 1987 Sammy Davis Jr. received the Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime achievement in the performing arts.

Ray Charles, who had received the same award the year before, showed his respect with a few kind words and a rendition, accompanied by a big band, of Birth Of The Blues.

Also see this record in the IMdB.

Birth Of The Blues: