Paul Weston
Paul Weston | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Paul Wetstein |
Born | Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | March 12, 1912
Died | September 20, 1996 Santa Monica, California | (aged 84)
Genres | Jazz, easy listening, pop |
Occupation(s) |
|
Instrument(s) | Piano |
Years active | 1933–1970s |
Labels | Capitol Columbia, Corinthian |
Paul Weston (born Paul Wetstein; March 12, 1912 – September 20, 1996) was an American pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor who worked in music and television from the 1930s to the 1970s, pioneering mood music and becoming known as "the Father of Mood Music". His compositions include popular music songs such as "I Should Care", "Day by Day", and "Shrimp Boats". He also wrote classical pieces, including "Crescent City Suite" and religious music, authoring several hymns and masses.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts,[1] Weston had a keen interest in music from an early age and learned to play the piano. He was educated at Springfield High School, then attended Dartmouth College and Columbia University.
At Dartmouth he formed his own band and toured with the college band. He joined Columbia's dance band, The Blue Lions, but was temporarily unable to perform following a rail accident, and did some
After leaving Dorsey in 1940, Weston worked with Dinah Shore and moved to Hollywood when he was offered film work. In California he met Johnny Mercer, who invited him to write for his new label, Capitol Records. Weston became music director there, where he worked with singer Jo Stafford and developed the mood music genre. Stafford moved with him to Columbia Records in 1950, and they were married in 1952.
Weston worked extensively in television from the 1950s to the 1970s. He helped start the
Weston and Stafford developed a comedy routine where they assumed the guise of a bad lounge act named Jonathan and Darlene Edwards. Their first album was released in 1957. In 1960, their album Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. Weston's work in music is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[2]
Early years and work
Weston was born Paul Wetstein in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Paul Wetstein, a teacher,[3] and Anna "Annie" Grady. The family moved to Pittsfield when Weston was two, and he spent his formative years in the town.[3][4] His parents were both interested in music, and when Paul Sr taught at a private girls' school, he was allowed to bring the school's gramophone home over the Christmas holidays. Weston remembered hearing "Whispering Hope" on it as a child.[4]
At age eight, he started piano lessons.
He met
Capitol and Columbia
Weston met
Besides his work at Capitol, Weston did conducting for many radio shows during this time. He worked with Duffy's Tavern, the radio shows of Joan Davis, and Your Hit Parade.[7] Jo Stafford, who became a regular host of the Chesterfield Supper Club in 1945, returned to California permanently in November 1946.[16] Stafford later hosted the show from Hollywood, with Weston and his orchestra.[17][18] It was around this time that Weston had a new idea for recorded music that would be similar to the soundtrack of a movie. It could be an enhancement to living but subtle enough not to stifle conversation. His album Music For Dreaming was the beginning of the "Mood Music" genre.[6][7][a] In 1950, he left Capitol for a similar position at Columbia Records;[20] Jo Stafford also signed with Columbia at the same time.[1][6][7][14] He remained active in radio, with his own The Paul Weston Show, and also in acting roles on Dear John with Irene Rich, Valiant Lady, and Cavalcade of America.[6][21][22]
Paul Weston and Jo Stafford were married on February 26, 1952; the couple had two children, Tim (born 1952),[23] and Amy (born 1956).[24][25][26] Both returned to Capitol in 1961, leaving the company for Dot Records in late 1965.[14][27]
Jonathan and Darlene Edwards
In 1957 Weston was named musical director for
He went public with his portion of the act at a Columbia Records convention, where it was an instant hit; the couple agreed to do some recordings, calling themselves Jonathan and Darlene Edwards.[14][32][33] George Avakian, a Columbia Records executive, chose the name of Jonathan Edwards for Weston's act in honor of the Calvinist preacher of the same name. Weston was concerned he might not be able to fill an album with the performances of Jonathan Edwards, so he asked Stafford to help.[31] She became Darlene Edwards, the off-key singer.[3][4] It was not immediately known to the public who had really made the records; there was much speculation as to what two famous people might be behind the music, before a 1957 Time article revealed their true identities.[31][33]
In 1958, the fictional couple appeared on
They continued to release Jonathan and Darlene albums for several years, and, in 1979, released a cover of
Grammys
The original idea of honoring those in the recording industry came from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 1957. Their plan was to propose bronze sidewalk markers to be placed on Hollywood Boulevard (the beginning of the current Hollywood Walk of Fame).[43] The Chamber approached local top recording company executives with the idea, asking for help with a list of those who deserved the honor. Weston was one of the men named to this committee by the Chamber. The committee executives decided all those who had sold a million records or a quarter million record albums during their careers would be candidates for the bronze star markers. As they continued their research, the men on the committee realized that many very important people in the recording industry would not qualify for this type of recognition. This realization prompted the founding of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, whose purpose was to create an award for recording artists. It became known as the Grammy, and the first awards were given in 1959.[44] Paul Weston's dedication to music and recording was recognized with a Trustees' Award Grammy in 1971.[45]
Television and composing
Weston had a long career as a musical director for television, including The Danny Kaye Show, The Jonathan Winters Show, The Jim Nabors Show and for The Bob Newhart Show, a 1961 variety show.[7][46][47][48] He was also the conductor and arranger for his wife's CBS television show from 1954 to 1955, The Jo Stafford Show.[49][50] Although he did not provide the names of the programs, Weston once said conductors on live television shows, "should also receive a stuntman's check!"[29] In 1959, Weston worked with Art Carney and Bil Baird's marionettes for an ABC television children's special, Art Carney Meets Peter and the Wolf, and was nominated for his musical contributions to the show.[51]
Weston arranged
One of Weston's songs made the tiny town of Hana on the island of Maui a household word. While on a visit to the area, Weston needed to shop for gifts for his two children. He found himself at the Hasegawa General Store, about which he wrote "The Hasegawa General Store", based on his experiences there, which was recorded by Arthur Godfrey, Jim Nabors, and others.[52][53][54]
Weston also wrote classical and religious music: one of his two symphonic suites, Crescent City Suite, has enjoyed many performances, in the "Crescent City",
Retirement and death
The couple retired from performing in the 1970s. Active for many years in charities helping the developmentally disabled, the Westons gave more of their time to these groups after their retirement. The AbilityFirst work center in
Notes
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Holden, Stephen (September 24, 1996). "Paul Weston, 84, Who Wrote And Arranged Big Band Hits". New York Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ a b "Paul Weston-Hollywood Walk of Fame". LA Times. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Moore, James Ross (2001). "Paul Weston". American National Biography. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
- ^ ISBN 0-19-506087-3. Archived from the originalon March 19, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f Popa, Christopher (December 2007). "Paul Weston". Big Band Music. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f Sasso, Joey (May 17, 1952). "Accident Is Lucky Break". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Paul Weston Biography". University of Arizona. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ Boals, Col. L.R. (November 27, 1942). "Arthur Schnabel Records Beethoven's 4th Concerto". Youngstown Vindicator. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
- ^ "James C. Petrillo". WTTW-TV. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Johnny Mercer's Music Shop". MusicWeb. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
- ^ a b c d "Jo Stafford". The Telegraph. July 17, 2008. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
- ^ Music--As Written. Billboard. November 2, 1946. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
- ^ "Actresses and Vocalists Star On Networks". Youngstown Vindicator. December 9, 1945. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ Ad for 'Chesterfield Supper Club'. Life. January 13, 1947. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ Gelatt, Roland (May 16, 1957). "Music You Don't Even Have to Listen to". The Reporter: 33.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ Paul Weston, Columbia's Music Director. Billboard. August 4, 1956. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
- ^ "The Paul Weston Show". Old Time Radio. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Ad for CBS Radio Network". Collier's Weekly. January 5, 1952: 41.
{{cite journal}}
: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) - ^ "Jo Stafford Has Son". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. November 20, 1952. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ "Jo Stafford Weds Composer". Meridien Record. February 26, 1952. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ Stafford, Jo (June 1953). "Blessed, Tiny Timothy" (PDF). Radio-TV Mirror. Retrieved November 18, 2010.PDF)
- ^ "Jo Stafford Has Girl". Youngstown Vindicator. March 2, 1956. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ Jo Stafford's Dot LP Out in January. Billboard. 23 October 1965. Retrieved April 11, 2011.
- ^ Thomas, Bob (8 April 1959). "Record Academy Plans TV Spectacular Of Its Own". Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ a b "Paul Weston". Space Age Pop. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "Recording Stars Plan Eddie To Join Oscar And Emmy". The Deseret News. August 9, 1957. Retrieved February 2, 2011.
- ^ ISBN 0-934793-19-0. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
- ^ a b c "Jo Stafford, singer known as 'GI Jo'". The Press Democrat. July 19, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ a b "Music:Two Right Hands". Time. September 23, 1957. Archived from the original on October 19, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2011.(subscription required)
- ^ "Shower of Stars newspaper ad". The Deseret News. January 9, 1958. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
- ^ "Shower of Stars Episode #4.4". IMDB. January 9, 1958. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
- ^ "TV Previews". Lawrence Journal-World. October 11, 1960. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ a b Bernstein, Adam (2008-07-18). "Jo Stafford, 90; Pop Singer Won a Grammy for Comedy". The Washington Post. p. B7. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ^ Bell, Bill (February 23, 1997). "Hits, Harrumphs, Hoots & Hallelujahs". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ^ "Today's Television Programs" (PDF). Long Island Star-Journal. March 25, 1964. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
- ^ "Darlene Remembers Duke, Jonathan Plays Fats". Billboard.biz. March 28, 1982. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ New LP, Tape Releases. Billboard. April 10, 1982. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ Pietschmann, Richard J. (December 1982). "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards Talk!". Los Angeles Magazine. Archived from the original on February 20, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
- ^ "Hollywood Walk of Fame History". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved May 21, 2011.
- ^ "Bronze Stars Begot Grammy". The Robesonian. February 22, 1976. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ "Trustees Award". Grammys.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ^ Wiedrich, Robert (April 22, 1969). "Tower Ticker". Chicago Tribune. p. 20. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
- ^ "The Bob Newhart Show". TV.com. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
- ^ Lyon, Herb (April 29, 1926). "Tower Ticker". Chicago Tribune. p. 13. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
- ^ Robertson, Hal (May 30, 1954). "In This TV Family-The Little Woman Takes Orders". The Milwaukee Sentinel. Retrieved January 9, 2011.
- ISBN 0-595-36190-0. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ "Emmy Awards Database-Paul Weston". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
- ^ "Everybody's Cash Welcome at Hasegawa General Store". Park City Daily News. August 3, 1986. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ Flynn, John (June 4, 2009). "Hana is heavenly at night". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ Lum, Curtis (August 13, 2008). "Hasegawa General Store Still an Icon". Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
- ^ "Finding Aid-Jo Stafford and Paul Weston Collection" (PDF). University of Arizona. p. 62. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 31, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2011. (PDF)
- ^ FAQs.org. "Paul Weston Copyrights". Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved January 30, 2011.
- ^ Bacon, James (May 10, 1958). "Stars Donate Service, Money For Handicapped Children". Warsaw Times. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
- ^ "Paul Weston Work Center, Woodland Hills". AbilityFirst. Archived from the original on January 4, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
- ISBN 978-1-4766-2599-7. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
External links
- Paul Weston and Jo Stafford archive at the University of Arizona
- Presenting the Music of Paul Weston and Jo Stafford
- Paul Weston Interview NAMM Oral History Library (1995)