Vaughn Monroe with The Moon Maids

Camel Caravan Radio Shows, Volume I

      By 1946, crooner Vaughn Monroe was so popular that Camel cigarettes signed him to host the tobacco company's Camel Caravan radio show. The radio spot provided the perfect setting to showcase Monroe's romantic baritone voice, his orchestra, and the singing talents of five belles from Texas who formed the singing bandleader's new back up vocal group, The Moon Maids.

The four programs on this CD reflect the Monroe aggregation's penchant for romantic standards and popular songs of the period as well as their takes on comedy, as Shirley Booth (before her television days in the 1960s as Hazel, the good-natured but mettlesome maid) demonstrates going face-to-face with  Monroe playing the "straight man."

Monroe's novelty singer, saxophonist Ziggy Talent, also shares the spotlight, with guest spots reserved for singer CeCe Blake and jazz trombone great Jack Teagarden.

Track selections:  From The Meadowbrook - May 10, 1946 - One More Tomorrow, Strange Love, Patience And Fortitude, Step 'N' Fetchit, Josephine, Please Don't Lean On The Bell.   

From July 1946 - New York City (with guest Shirley Booth) - It's A Good Day, Guilty, I've Got You Under My Skin.

From June - October 1948 - New York City (with guest Cece Blake) - Until, You Were Only Foolin', On A Slow Boat To China, Buttons And Bows.

From July 18, 1946 - Asbury Park, NJ (with guest Jack Teagarden) - Racing With The Moon, It's My Lazy Day, Pied Piper Blues, Seems Like Old Times, Route 66, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, In Love In Vain, They Say It's Wonderful.

Vaughn Monroe and his Orchestra with The Moon Maids, Camel Caravan Radio Shows, Volume I is $10 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling. To order, send e-mail to  jazzconnection@hotmail.com   

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