Earworm of the day: Rhythm Is Our Business

When Jimmie Lunceford hired Willie Smith as his clarinetist and alto saxophonist, he got the full package. Not only was he a top-notch licorice-stick and sax man (on the latter, considered one of the three best of his generation) and a gifted musical arranger, but Smith was also a lively vocalist, as with this tune.

Smith eventually moved on from Lunceford's band to work with many of the other great bands of the day, eventually at pay commensurate with his skills and talents.


Adding to his appeal for me, though, he had that balance of left- and right-brained function that is so rare, these days, in fine and performing arts: besides being a musician, Smith had a degree in chemistry.

Also, he spent a year in the US Navy, during The War.

A multi-talented member of the Greatest Generation, he deserves to be remembered and celebrated for more than just making this song stick in my head overnight.


And, if this song gets stuck in your head, you're welcome.