77 years ago this week, my Father (who was home on leave and having just returned from the south Pacific and the Battle of Leyte Gulf) took his fiance - my Mother - to the '400 Club' in New York City.
According to an ad in the Sunday Mirror (an NYC Daily paper at the time) Charlie Barnet and his orchestra were headlining at the 400 Restaurant at Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street, appearing with "Marga" and her rhumbas. Barnet was a socialite playboy turned swing band leader who had a string of hits in the late 1930s and early 1940s, most notably "Cherokee." He was one of the first to have an integrated band. Fran Warren was his vocalist at this time. Noted trumpeter Al Killian also was featured in the band. The club featured continuous dancing from 6:30 PM to 3:00 AM. The New Yorker Magazine listed flamboyant drummer Gene Krupa and his band as the attraction as well.
My God she was beautiful.
After watching Masters of the Air this past week, I was reminded of the awe I had as a kid for more dad and his generation. We have it great because of what they achieved, in war and peace. Still my hero. Great you have such a great picture of a hero and his love.
ReplyDeleteThey were the Greatest Generation.
May their memory be eternal
ReplyDeleteDid your father have to return to the South Pacific, or was his war over?
ReplyDeleteA very handsome couple!!!
ReplyDeleteThere are actors that look like these two people.
ReplyDeleteHeltau
Definite joy in that photo. I wish life didn't pass by so quickly...
ReplyDeleteGreat picture, and thank you for sharing.
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