Mae West: Redd Evans

Numbers like "Slow Down" were not the typical MAE WEST song.  Here's a sample of the lyrics:

• • You see a handsome face,

• • And you forget your place

• • Here beside me;

• • While all I do is pray

• • That there will come a day

• • When you are free.

• • Free, free to love me,

• • No other loves above me;

• • Sweetheart, you know that you can have me

• • If you slow down! ...

• • In 1941, during WW2, artists began recording it. In March, Nat King Cole released his version.  Soon after Anita O'Day, backed by the Gene Krupa Band, followed suit.

• • In 1947, Mae West recorded "Slow Down" backed by Lenny Marvin and His Orchestra.  You can find her post-war rendition on "Mae West the Singer," "Mae West: 'Queen Of Sex' Sings Sultry Songs" (Rosetta Records, 1990), "The Ultimate Collection" (2009), etc.

• • Redd Evans [6 July 1912 — 29 August 1972] • •

• • Louis Evans was born in Meridian, Mississippi in the month of July — — on 6 July 1912.  He was educated at the University of Arizona and Kent College.  The versatile musician started out as a singer and ocarina soloist.  He became a saxophonist and clarinetist in dance orchestras.

• • In addition to "Slow Down," "Redd" Evans had a number of hits as a songwriter such as "Rosie the Riveter," "There! I've Said It Again," and "Let Me Off Uptown."  Bobby Vinton selected "There! I've Said It Again" (composer David Mann, lyrics by Redd Evans) and scored a chart-topper in 1964.  Doris Day and Frank Sinatra hit gold with his songs. 

• • "Redd" Evans died in Scarsdale, NY on 29 August 1972. He was 60.

• • Van McCoy [6 January 1940 — 6 July 1979] • •

• • Born in Washington, DC, Van McCoy was an accomplished musician, music producer as well as an arranger, orchestra conductor, and lyricist. He is best known for his massive 1975 international hit "The Hustle" — — a tune still played on dance floors and radio today nearly 30 years after his death. He has around 700 song copyrights to his credit.

• • Better known for doing The Shimmy than hustling on the dance floor, Mae West, who starred and wrote the screenplay for "Sextette" [1978] had asked Van McCoy to write the theme song, and to make a cameo appearance in her motion picture.

• • Van McCoy was in Englewood, New Jersey when he was forever silenced by a fatal heart attack in the month of July — — on 6 July 1979. McCoy was 39.  So sad. 

• • On Friday, 6 July 2012 at 8:00 PM • •

• • Spend this evening in Sunnyvale, California with Mae West.  There is a free screening of "She Done Him Wrong" [1933].  Attendees are invited to bring snacks.

• • WHERE:  St. John Lutheran Church: 581 East Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA; T. 408-739-2625.

• • In Her Own Words • •

• • Mae West said:  "Come up sometime."

• • Mae West said: "You can say what you like about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins."

• • Quote, Unquote • •

• • An article on business mentioned Mae West.

• • Earl Bell wrote: Mae West is credited as saying, “Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Wonderful.”  While this might have worked in her life, it can spell disaster in the business world.  . . .

• • Source: Article: "The 'Mae West philosophy' might just bring down your business" written by Earl Bell for http://www.fromlefttoright.com; published on 6 July 2011

• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eight years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2354th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.

 

• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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