Deacon Of Jazz

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23372, 1 December 1945, Page 8

Deacon Of Jazz

Sam (The Deacon) McDaniel, noted Negro character actor, cast in support of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Universal’s “The Naughty Nineties,” had as much to do with the early development of jazz music as any one man. Organiser of the New Orleans Syncopated Jazz Orchestra, McDaniel was the mentor of such prominent young musicians as Bing Crosby and George Olsen. Yet, to-day, McDaniel prefers the sedate rhythm of Paul Whiteman to the “hotter” and more strenuous of some other jazzmasters. And he even likes the classics. McDaniel began with a circus band, before organising his own orchestra, but before that, was interested in church music. He is a recognised authority on the religious “spiritual,” which is rendered with such effect by artists of his race. In “The Naughty Nineties,” McDaniel doesn't sing, except in choruses, but his sure sense of timing—he has appeared in 50 motion picture parts—and “screen sense” made him valuable support for the two comedy starts, Abbott and Costello. Sam McDaniel is brother of the similarly popular Hattie McDaniel. Negro comedienne and dramatic actress. Etta McDaniel, film character actress is their sister. Since coming to Hollywood 13 years ago. Max Steiner, former concert pianist and symphony composer-con-ductor. has written 193 musical background scores for the movies. Three of the scores won Academy Awards.