Strip Polka

From:
Date: 8/18/98
Time: 1:22:17 PM
Remote Name: 24.3.196.34

Comments

Posted by STRIP POLKA on March 27, 1998 at 10:44:34:

Posted by Steve Taksler on January 12, 1998 at 20:39:21:

In Reply to: "Queenie of the Burlesque Show?" posted by Robert (Bob) Egby on January 12, 1998 at 15:46:36:

: Hello..I'm looking for a song allegedly written and : performed by Johnny Mercer during World War II or : slightly after. It's called "Queenie of the Burlesque : Show -- Take it off." We were discussing it at the : 50th anniversary of the British Forces Network : in Hamburg, Germany a year or so ago. The concensus : was that it was recorded on ORBS by Johnny : as a special performance and broadcast to military : units overseas. If you have any idea where I might get : a recording, or find an updated version, I would : be happy to hear about it.

: As an old disc jockey from steam-radio days, I : appreciate your site. It triggers many beautiful : memories. Keep up the good work...

: Bob Egby : robert-egby@worldnet.att.net

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"Strip Polka"- "Take It Off! - Take It Off!.

Johnny Mercer wrote both the lyrics and music to this song. He usually collaborated with another writer(Arlen,Warren,Schertzinger etc) to do th music- nut on this piece he wrote both lyric and music.

It has been said that "Strip Polka" and "G.I. Jive" were among his biggest contributions to boosting the morale during World War II, both on the homefront and for the men and women in the armed forces.

I have no idea as to which recordings that you played as a "DJ". My guess that they were recordings that he did for the AFRS(Armed Forces Radio Station), that were done with the soldiers and sailors in mind.

These 16" transcription disks were sent around the world, directly to the troops. Johnny's program "Johnny Mercer's Music Shop", no doubt had many "cuts" of this piece.

The Andrews Sisters are best known for this rendition of this piece. Additionally Johnny Mercer himself recorded it and it was a huge hit for him.

You can find many renditions of this recording on this website page:

http://www.johnnymercer.com/intro/intro.htm

I suggest that you use the "edit" feature of your web browser to search EACH SECTION of this 36 page report, using the name "Strip Polka".

Most of these recordings on CD are still available through music sources.

The music and words are on pages 96-99 of "Too Marvelous for Words"-Warner Bros. "The Magic of Johnny Mercer" #SF0130. 22.95 paperback-any bookstore can order for you.

Warner Bros. may also sell just the sheet music (current edition) no graphic cover for $3.95/A music shop can assist you in this.