Kenny Baker–Singing Star

Kenny Baker had a pure tenor voice that was enchanting on radio and later in the movies. He started as the featured singer on Jack Benny’s radio show, then left in 1939, where he was succeeded by Dennis Day. He appeared in a dozen or so films; however, the one we will always remember is his appearance in the Goldwyn Follies in 1938. He sang two songs written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1937. They were the last songs released by George before his death in 1937, making them all the more poignant to movie goers. The first song in the movie was “Love Walked In,” which we will play for you now:

Now that we have re-introduced Kenny to you, we want to concentrate on a studio recording that he did for Decca with Karen Temple, in which he recorded a number of songs from Babes in Toyland. Because his Broadway recordings are somewhat rare, we thought we would highlight some songs that we found on the recording for you now.

Here is the Opening:

Next is the delightful, “Don’t Cry, Bo-Peep:”

Then, we have the wild gypsy czardas, “Floretta:”

“Floretta” is followed by the delightful “I Can’t Do the Sum:”

Next, we have the restored/remastered Decca recording of the song, “Go to Sleep:”

Because we found so much music, we will have to end here and pick up the rest on Thursday.