Pay plucking attention kids because this is what we call 'talent' . No 'autotune' and no dreadlocks' and they could actually speak clear understandable english . They were popular for decades because they had talent and the audience knew it. They are polar opposite to much of what's being passed around today that has about as much lasting appeal as your last court date.
"Caravan" was written by Juan Tizol, who played valve trombone in Duke Ellington's orchestra. Donald Mills imitated the solo trombone and Harry "played" trumpet.
It does have words, but they don't sing them. That's because the lyrics are totally uninspired and not worthy of the music, explaining why you have never heard them. Decades apart, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett tried to redeem the lyrics with their delivery, but few others have dared follow their example.
I was playing this while my sister was listening and she didn't believe me when I tried to tell her that it was them actually singing and not musical intruments. The only way I guess I could convince her would be to show her this video!
Incredible is a vastly understated word for what they were. I am 71, and had the pleasure seeing them live on various TV shows like Ed Sullivan. Soon enough I will be able to see them and their brother and dad signing on that great eternal stage. I can't wait.
I’m 63 & my dad and I loved listening to the Mills brothers since I was a little girl. Their beautiful harmonies were a joy to listen to, but these mouth music versions of songs enchanted me & still does. They were virtuosic geniuses. Dad & I used to try to imitate the instruments in our den like them, but obviously we couldn’t hold a candle to them. Fond memories- I sent this clip to my 92 year old dad to enjoy.
Thanks for posting this...how incredible! I saw them in 1974 perform here in Ft. Laud.. P.S. my late husband was a drummer... and his feature drum solo was to Caravan for many years. (I was thinking young trumpet players should practice their buzz with this song!
Incredible upload. Thank you so much. These guys had so much talent they had to do something really different to get it out. My family has been listening and singing along with these gents for decades.
They were my dad’s favourite he turned my husband on to them in the 1980’s. Had all their records, even 78’s. Sadly my mom about 10 years ago without checking with me or my siblings gave them to a charity shop. Dad passed in 1993, he was the big music lover, I guess after 10 or so years of dad gone these old records were just taking up space. I’d have made space. Oh well- thanks to RU-vid I can listen to them again. Thanks for posting this!!
The melody is slightly different than in the original. Here, the chromatic motive just goes downwards. Tizol/Ellington have the last note half a step above the second to last note in that sequence. It's tricky!
