Charleston by Daniel Michael (P.52.S)

Week #7: The Charleston was written in 1923 for the broadway musical Runnin' Wild. It was written by James P. Johnson, with lyrics by Cecil Mack (though the lyrics are rarely performed). Johnson was a well-known and influential pianist and composer who pioneered the stride style piano.

The Charleston dance originated much earlier than the song, in the first years of the 1900's. But it hit its peak of popularity in the mid-20's; popular among flappers and in the speakeasies. The dance was considered quite provocative and immoral (along with the flappers' infamous hair style and loose fitting clothes).*

My recording - following the majority - omits the lyrics to the song, making it the first instrumental I've attempted in the project so far. I found it especially fun to put a capo high on my banjo and pretend it was a banjo-lele; which gives the song an old-fashioned sound. I hope you enjoy it. If not, I hope you'll still come back next week!