[Harp-L] At Last -- Glenn Miller original version

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

It's always helpful to return to the source when certain controversies arise.

Recently, Etta James expressed her resentment* over Beyonce performing the 
Glenn Miller 1941 tune "At Last" at the Obama Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.


Here is a chance to watch the Glenn Miller Orchestra performing the tune 
(from a movie). It's hard to tell if the band is synching to a pre-recorded track; 
probably. But so what? It's still better than watching a video of a 78 rpm 
spinning on a turntable. 

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x357zi_8glenn-miller-orchestra--at-last_music


Etta James claims the song as her own, arguing that the upstart Beyonce has 
no right to   "cover" her song. No doubt the ghost of Glenn Miller could make 
the same claim for Etta.

Obviously, there is a difference between a Blues Arrangement and a Big Band 
Arrangement -- but it's the same song. Plus, in the Miller version you get the 
verse -- not just the chorus. And Etta should get credit for repopularizing a 
popular song. But what goes around, more people who know the song today did 
not hear Etta sing it but the many contemporary versions out there.

*The fact that Etta "could not travel for health reasons" and that "Obama is 
not my president" would preclude her OWN performance anyway should not be 
ignored.

So if you wondered where the some came from, this takes you back to the 
source. (Further alibis welcome.)

Personally, I like the song. Miller, Etta, Beyonce -- and unheard versions.   


Phil





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