Whiz-Kid of Swing: The Story of Pioneering Record Producer John Hammond

 Interview clips of producer John Hammond as he joins
New York radio personality Ed Beach on his WRVR show “Just Jazz” in 1973.

 John Hammond expresses his enthusiasm for pianist James P. Johnson, which began when he purchased his records for a dime at the age of 10. Historical recording of "Mule Walk" follows.

 Hammond reminisces about hearing Billie Holiday for the very first time, and introduces a novelty tune from her first recording session, "My Mother’s Son-In-Law."

 Hammond shares details of his legendary 1935 recording session featuring Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, and the Teddy Wilson band, and introduces a tune from that session, "Miss Brown To You."

 Hammond tells the story of how he met and helped launch the career of Count Basie.

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Photos: 1. James P. Johnson courtesy of the Duncan P. Schiebt Collection . 2. Billie Holiday 3. Teddy Wilson and Billie Holiday, The Teddy Wilson Collection. Photo from the book, Teddy Wilson Talks Jazz by Teddy Wilson. 4. Count Basie at the far right, John Hammond to his right. Courtesy Dave E. Dexter, Jr. Collection, Miller Nichols Library, UMKC. Used by permission of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Libraries, Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections.