The History of a Young Lady
Blanche Calloway and her Joy Boys - Without That Gal!
So, Blanche Calloway was amazing. She actually began performing before her little brother Cab, and he later credited her with teaching him everything he knew about entertaining. Some sources even suggest that her performances were “rougher, raunchier, and wilder” than those of the brother that eventually eclipsed her in fame. It hurts my heart that a video of her performing live doesn’t seem to exist. Among other things, she was the first woman to lead an all-male orchestra, and it makes me so happy that she named them her “Joy Boys”!
(Photo of Blanche from Omega418’s collection.)
Ruth Brown - Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean
Fun fact: Ruth Brown’s first manager was Blanche Calloway (sister of Cab)! Blanche was also a successful bandleader in her own right, though she’s largely forgotten these days — I’ll have to post one of her recordings soon.
(Clipping from vieilles_annonces’ collection.)
Eartha Kitt - Autumn Leaves
Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
Joanna Newsom - ‘81
This song is from Joanna’s new album, which is coming out on February 23! Drag City is streaming it on their website, where you can now preorder the triple (!!!) album.
Her voice and harp sound so, so lovely in this track.
(Photo from lovedaylemon’s collection.)








