Monday Music: Foreign Affair (The Manhattan Transfer)

"Foreign Affair" was written by master songwriter, Tom Waits. He recorded it in 1977, his gravelly voice and pensive style leaving his own distinctive mark. In 1979, The Manhattan Transfer recorded the song on their album, Extensions, giving it an anthem-like quality. It is one of the stand-out tracks on that album.

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Erskin Hawkins' Tuxedo Junction

On this date, July 26, Erskin Hawkins was born in Birmingham, Alabama. The year was 1914. Mr. Hawkins went on to become a famous big band leader, trumpeter, and composer. One of his most popular tunes is "Tuxedo Junction." Written in 1939, the song was first recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. It has subsequently been recorded by many, including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and Frankie Avalon. My favorite version is from The Manhattan Transfer, recorded in 1975:

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Photos from Tuxedo Junction in Ensley by Charles Kinnaird