Music and Masons

Paul Whiteman

Paul Samuel Whiteman (1890-1967) was the leader of Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra. He was a member of St. Cecile Lodge No. 568, “The Lodge Of The Arts“, Grand Lodge of New York.

The Paul Whiteman Orchestra was the leading dance band in the United States during the 1920’s and early 1930’s.

Here are some selected samples of recordings by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra.

Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town), recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1922

Rhapsody In Blue, recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1924 with George Gershwin on piano

Charleston, recorded by Paul Whiteman on 7 May 1925 for Victor Records. This was the tune behind the famous dance The Charleston

For those interested in the Charleston, here is an instruction video

My Blue Heaven, recorded by Paul Whiteman in July 1927

Sunshine – written by Irving Berlin. Recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1928 with Bing Crosby on vocal.

Make Believe, from Showboat by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern, recorded by Paul Whiteman in January 1928, with Bing Crosby on vocals

Sweet Sue, Just You – recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1928 with Bix Beiderbecke on trumpet

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1933

It’s Only A Paper Moon, recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1933. This recording was used in the 1973 movie Paper Moon:

Richard Rodgers’ Slaughter On Tenth Avenue, recorded by Paul Whiteman in 1936

Here is a recording of over one hour of Paul Whiteman music (still video):

In the 1970’s a group of British musicians formed the New Paul Whiteman Orchestra using original orchestrations from the period when Bix Beiderbecke was in Paul Whiteman’s band.

A New Paul Whiteman Orchestra is currently performing, led by Keith Nichols. Here are some videos:

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