The Soundies #7

In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a big fan of vocal groups. The Delta Rhythm Boys were one of the most popular groups of the '40s, straddling the line between jazz and pop music. This soundie is a lip sync of their 1941 Decca version of "Take the 'A' Train." (They re-recorded it for RCA Victor in 1947.)  It features a bass lead by Lee Gaines, who also wrote these lyrics to the Billy Strayhorn tune.  The other group members at the time were Clinton Holland, tenor; Traverse Crawford, tenor; and Harry Lewis, bass.  Their pianist Rene DeKnight was also considered a member of the group but doesn't participate in this scene.