Celebrate the Golden Era of Swing

Return to the glorious days of legendary orchestras, bandleaders and singers that ruled America’s radio waves and dance halls, bringing joy and escape during the days the country went to war and through the era of victory that followed. Featuring songs from Perry Como, Doris Day, Benny Goodman, Tex Beneke, Peggy Lee, The Mills Brothers and more.

Join WVPB for this entertaining program featuring vintage film and performances on Saturday, September 5 at 7 p.m. and again at midnight.

This program revisits the swing era, a time when ballrooms across the United States hosted the biggest bands in the country as they travelled from city to city with dance numbers and beautiful ballads. These timeless sounds are enjoyed once again through long-unseen vintage film and television performances.

STARLIGHT BALLROOM features these performances:

• “Accentuate the Positive” – Johnny Mercer
• “It’s a Good Day” – Peggy Lee
• “You Always Hurt the One You Love” – The Mills Brothers
• “Yes! We Have No Bananas” – The Pied Pipers
• “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” – Ozzie & Harriet Nelson & Orchestra
• “Till the End of Time” – Perry Como
• “Music, Music, Music” – Teresa Brewer
• “At Last” – Ray Anthony & Orchestra
• “Fascinating Rhythm” – Mel Torme
• “My Ideal” – Margaret Whiting
• “If I Didn’t Care” – The Ink Spots
• “Babalu” – Desi Arnaz & Orchestra
• “The Very Thought of You” – Doris Day with the Harry James Orchestra
• “The More I See You” – Dick Haymes
• “Hawaiian War Chant” – Tony Pastor Orchestra with Rosemary & Betty Clooney
• “One O’Clock Jump” – Count Basie & Orchestra
• “Deep Purple” – Larry Clinton Orchestra with Bea Wain
• “Bonaparte’s Retreat” – Kay Starr
• “Lisbon Antigua” – Lawrence Welk & His Orchestra
• “Taking a Chance On Love” – Jo Stafford
• “Muskrat Ramble” – Bob Crosby & The Bobcats
• “I’ll Walk Alone” – Dinah Shore
• “The Last Call for Love” – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with Frank Sinatra & The Pied Pipers
•  “In the Mood” – Tex Beneke & Orchestra
• “Serenade in Blue” – Tex Beneke & Orchestra
• “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” – Helen Forrest with Harry James Orchestra
• “Let’s Dance” – Benny Goodman & Orchestra
• “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”/“I’m Beginning to See the Light” – Ella Fitzgerald with Duke Ellington & Orchestra