James Stewart & Donna Reed in It's A Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)
Artist of the year : Nat King Cole
He was only 4 years old when his family left Alabama for
Chicago where his father was expected to become a minister. His mother who
played the organ in the parish church gave him music lessons and introduced him
to piano for which he showed such provisions that once controlled gospel and
jazz, he began to study classical music, from Bach to Rachmaninov. He went
sometimes into the clubs to listen to artists such as Louis Armstrong and Earl
Hines by whom he will especially be inspired in his first performances. He
recorded his first album in 1936 for Decca with his brother Eddie on bass and
his musicians. His was hired as pianist in the national tour of the Broadway
black review Shuffle Along which ended in Long Beach. He formed there a trio
named the King Cole Swingsters which
became soon popular in radio broadcasts.
Despite the lack of drums, Nat King Cole and
his musicians asserted a true personality, wedding a stylish piano play to the
unexpected sound of electric guitar. It is not without some reluctance,
however, he agreed to sing, far from imagining that it would be thanks to his
crooning baritone voice that the trio will one day reach fame.
Song of the year: Who?
The Musical
Till The Clouds Roll By had not success deserved at the time of its release despite
the outstanding performances of Judy Garland. Although pregnant, she achieved some noteworthy
musical numbers and the title Who? summarizes the charm at once old-fashioned
and brilliant of the Hollywood touch.
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