Billy Murray's Last Records - Part 1: The 1940–41 Bluebird Sessions

Billy Murray returned to the RCA studios in July 1940, after a hiatus of more than a decade. During his last visit, on June 13, 1929, he had recorded two duets with Aileen Stanley, only one of which ("Katie, Keep Your Feet on the Ground," on Victor 22040) was issued.

The new Murray sessions were all booked for RCA's low-priced Bluebird label, in the company of "Harry's Tavern Band," a name covering a pickup group whose varying personnel included studio as well as outside (union) musicians. The sessions came about at the urging of Jimmy Martindale — publisher of the prestigious Martindale's American Law Directory — who, along with columnist Jim Walsh, was one of Murray's chief cheerleaders during the entertainer's declining years. At his first session, Murray sang only the vocal chorus. The record was not a great hit for Bluebird, but Murray eventually was invited back for several more sessions, this time as the featured soloist, with the Tavern Band in an accompanying role.

Telegram from Billy Murray and Jimmy Martindale informing Jim Walsh of what would be
Murray's final Bluebird session. The session was later rescheduled, but Murray's voice
on that day was considered "too husky" for recording, and all masters were rejected.
(Jim Walsh Papers, Library of Congress)
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