50 years ago: Glenn Miller’s “Tuxedo Junction” hit #1 for 1st of 9 weeks

Tuxedo Junction Glenn Miller

Writer(s): Erskine Hawkins, Bill Johnson, and Julian Dash (music); Buddy Feyne (words) (see lyrics here) First Charted: February 24, 1940 Peak: 19 US, 7 GA (Click for codes to singles charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 1.3 video, -- streaming

Awards: (Click on award for more details).

About the Song: Erskine Hawkins, an African-American trumpeter and bandleader from Alabama, was one of the composers of “Tuxedo Junction.” The title came from a club in the Ensley suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. SF The venue was part of the Chitlin’ Circuit, the name given to the region in the Deep South where African American performers were accepted during racial segregation. WK According to Hawkins, his valet said, “Why don’t you call it ‘Tuxedo Junction’ since that’s where you’re from?” SB Hawkins’ orchestra was one of the house bands at the Savoy Ballroom in New York and often used the song as the sign-off. WK His recording of “the enormously engaging, easy-loping instrumental” SS reached #7 in the U.S. and marked his highest peak out of sixteen chart entries. Glenn Miller’s orchestra was a guest band at the Savoy on Christmas Eve 1939. Miller saw the “crowd’s enthusiastic reaction” to Hawkin’s performance of “Tuxedo Junction” SS and talked to Hawkins afterward, telling him he wanted to record the song. SB Miller recorded the song on February 5, 1940, with trumpet solos from Dale McMickle and Clyde Hurley and a piano solo from Chummy MacGregor, became a monstrous #1 song, holding the top spot for nine weeks. It was his tenth of 23 chart-toppers. The song was also recorded by the Andrews Sisters, Frankie Avalon, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry James, Joe Jackson, Stan Kenton, and the Manhattan Transfer. WK Bob Marley’s “Kaya” was inspired by the song. WK Resources and Related Links: DMDB encyclopedia entry for Glenn Miller DMDB encyclopedia entry for Erskine Hawkins SF Songfacts SS Steve Sullivan (2013). Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings (Volumes I & II). Scarecrow Press: Lanham, Maryland. Pages 531-2. SB SwingandBeyond.com PM Joel Whitburn (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Menomonee Falls, WI; Record Research, Inc. Pages 201, 309-313, and 599. WK Wikipedia First posted 4/19/2021.