During WWII the big band leader Benny Goodman was overwhelmed with a patriotic spirit and wanted to write a song to help out the war effort. He arranged a peppy version of "The Marine Hymn" called "The Montezuma Swing."
Excited about his creation, he offered to perform it for the troops as they departed for their overseas duty. Unfortunately the commander turned him down, stating that this particular branch of the services was not interested in swing beat. It was difficult to march to such tunes.
Not wanting to seem ungrateful, the commander asked if Benny might work up another arrangement that incorporated several melodies with slight variations.
"How about something with a little counterpoint action?" suggested the commander.
"You mean," said the band leader. "as though it were written by Bach?"
"Precisely," agreed the commander. "The Marines are looking for a fugue, Goodman."
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Bonus Joke:
The first graders were attending their first music lesson. The teacher was trying to begin at the beginning. She drew a musical staff on the blackboard and asked a little girl to come up and write a note on it.
The little girl went to the blackboard, looked thoughtful for a minute and wrote, "Dear Aunt Emma, just a short note to tell you I'm fine."
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Extra Bonus Joke:
During the reign of Alexander the Great, a special dye was discovered which, when put on a rag or piece of cloth, would change its shade depending on the intensity of the sun. This enabled the people to tell the time of day.
Of course, one of these dye-soaked materials was presented to the King. He wore it proudly, tied around his head.
And that is the origin of Alexander's ragtime band.
(John S. Crosbie)