Al Minns & Leon James from the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem on an unidentified live TV show in the 50s.
Same video synched to Daft Punk's "Around the World".
Did you ever notice that all of these amazingly gifted old-time performers simply exude pure unadulterated joy when they work? They always seem to be in Nirvana.
Unlike Nirvana, who always seemed to be miserable when they worked.
America's obsession with "cool" really has ruined virtually everything.
Re: Joyful entertainment
ReplyDeleteMy personal theory --- It has been said that people "shop", i.e. spend more money, when they are depressed, to make themselves feel better. (Hold that hought)...Since the days of the medicine show, entertainment as been used to attract possible customers... TV is no different...Joyful entertainment attracts, but doesn't insure spending...Madison Ave. has realized that depressing, angry, frustrating entertainment: (news/talk/crime/reality shows et all) by withholding joy, make people seek joy elsewhere, through "spending" on the products advertised... And it all makes you feel better, from bubble gum to hair weaves...And of course, if we don't see anybody being joyful, we're less joyful ourselves... (Rule #1 - What you surround yourself with is what you become.)... Ever notice how many "anti-depressant" comercials are on every night?...
Joy to the world! ...Pat, let me know what you think. Tommy
@Tommy: good theory.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Pat: what could be more enjoyable than watching someone exude complete joy in doing what they do? What a better way to add that little extra touch to entertaining someone than to make it evident that you're entertaining yourself as well?
Exception: constantly breaking up in the middle of a sketch like Jimmy Fallon always did on SNL. Exception to the exception: Tim Conway and Harvey Korman: their breaking each other up seemed to come from a place of truly enjoying working with each other instead of "aren't I fricking clever?" self-awareness.