An editorial by David Grossman
    
On Thursday, Sept. 8, about thirty diehard Historical Society members lent their ear to Amherst music aficionado John Root, who played classic songs from the 1920’s and 1930’s.

    While reading sheet music on his electric piano he entertained members for about an hour. The maestro organized a chronological rendering of some of America’s famous tunes. The audience sang along as he edited some of the 90-year-old lyrics to fashion a current appeal.

    
    For example, he substituted “partner” when lyrics were defining true love between a man and a woman. Most of the music was written for broadway shows and for the silver screen.

    He opened with “Look for the Silver Lining,” a popular song from the 1920’s. Although it was a song made popular when written for the musical “Zip, Goes a Million.” Judy Garland’s version made the song prominent in America. Root pointed out that in the early part of the twentieth century; the woman’s place was regarded as being in the kitchen.

    “As I wash my dishes, I will follow your plan. ‘Till I see the brightness in ev’ry pot and pan,” he quoted from the lyrics.

    The pianist explained that religion in the earlier part of the century had more or a global appeal. The imagery in “When Buddha Smiles” was a confluence of Buddha and angels. Originally performed by Benny Goodman, Root lulled the audience into singing along with “April Showers” and “Moonlight and Roses.” The litany of music continued with “The Charleston” a dance, which got its roots from Charleston, South Carolina. This actually started in 1923 as tune by James Johnson. Visions of bootlegging liquor filled the room as historical society members moved to the music while in their seats.

    Next were hits such as “It Had to be you” which was a poem set to music. The crowd ‘s decibel level rose substantially when Root got into the 1925 song “If You Knew Susie” from the Broadway Musical “Big Boy” in 1926.

    Vaudeville and Broadway aside, Root covered the classical genre with The Grand Canyon Suite. He said that you could hear the donkeys braying and almost see the daybreak as he performed a section. The evening was light as Root played ”Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella.”

    “These songs are aimed at bringing you a great day,” he beamed.

    The crowd favorite was “Singing in the Rain.”

     “That’s the year I was born,” commented one historical society member.

    About 45 minutes into the show, Root realized that he had paced himself too slowly, so he finished up the 1920’s with “I’ll Get By,” which was a popular song published in 1928, originally sung by Aileen Stanley, revived in 1940 by Harry James and re-released by the Ink Spots in 1944 and even reached the top ten.

    Plunging into the 1930’s, Root began with “When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver,” which was performed by Perry Como. Then he sprinkled in some Gershwin Brothers with ”I Got Rhythm” and slipped into the 1932 hit “Brother Can You Spare A Dime?” And said that it was one of the most “powerful songs every written.”

    Root concluded his presentation by pointing out that Al Jolson, a white man, performed in blackface makeup, which had been theatrical convention since the mid 19th century. He sang jazz and blues and he was credited with opening up those genres to white audiences and musicians.

    “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” which Root emphasized was voted best song of the twentieth century. Oddly enough, it was nearly cut from the movie “The Wizard of Oz.

    On a sad note, the audience was told that President Paul Porter’s wife, Caroline (See obituary in last week’s paper), had recently passed away. Porter was present and many members offered their condolences.

    The next meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Curator Jim Larkin will present a review of the history of the southwestern part of Lunenburg. Specifically, the Pleasant, West, Pratt Streets and Whalom Road area. Between Whalom and Baker Station, the area has supported ancient farms for hundreds of years. Guests and visitors are welcome and light refreshments will be served.

    For more information on John Root, check out his Web site at johnroot.net. He bills himself as a musician, naturalist and educator. He resides in Amherst and performs popular music of the gaslight era. His purpose is to show how these lyrics portray America’s ethnic and racial diversity, which created unique musical styles.