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#1 2010-07-18 06:48:35
- Rip Rig & Panic
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- Posts: 4697
Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
My wife laughed when I told her I loved old black and white musicals, but she soon came to appreciate the art deco sets. Every style guide seems to feature him, often wearing a nice Brooks shirt. Don't know if that story is true about him throwing his new jackets against a wall.
#2 2010-07-18 17:37:19
- rsmeyer
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- From: Chevy Chase, MD
- Posts: 751
Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
George Frazier's 1960 article quotes Astaire re: suit throwing.
Last edited by rsmeyer (2010-07-18 17:37:43)
#3 2021-12-04 13:36:51
- A Fine Sadness
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
Many mention his name but how many know the wonderful Mark Sandrich movies for RKO? Frankly, I never quite liked his rather bumptious persona but I did adore his singing and - naturally - his dancing. But I just loved Ginger, both in these and in the movies she did for Busby Berkeley. Never seen the latter? Buy yourself the box set immediately.
#4 2021-12-04 15:40:01
- AlveySinger
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
I remember Anderson and Shepard had for a time a sports jacket they made for him in their window.Surprisingly small framed.
He was quite the Anglophile. His sister married into the Cavendish family.
I’m sure many of the guys who post here are familiar with the superb album he recorded with JATP musicians on Verve.
If you’re not you’re genuinely missing a treat.
#5 2021-12-04 16:18:02
- A Fine Sadness
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
I used to sit and listen to Astaire, Sinatra, Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day and others while living alone in 2012. Always between eleven and midnight, often a little drunk, thinking all the while about the woman with whom I was having a tumultuous affair. 'Night And Day', 'My Way'. Often and often. Georgie Fame by day. All fantasy in the end. These things nearly always are.
Alvey, what's the full title of the Verve?
#6 2021-12-04 16:44:35
- AlveySinger
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
The album is known by a number of different names.The original Verve album is called The Fred Astaire Story. It was reissued as Jazz Time a few years ago. I would look for this version as the audio was tidied up a bit.
#7 2021-12-05 01:29:23
- A Fine Sadness
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
Thanks, Alvey. I had a look on Amazon and spotted 'The Fred Astaire Story' immediately. But I'll look for 'Jazz Time'.
#8 2021-12-05 04:02:49
- AndyV
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- Posts: 59
Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
Jason Jules has just been interviewed on the Robert Elms radio show about 'Black Ivy' and he mentioned that his sartorial hero as a kid was Fred Astaire. The interview is approximately one hour and 35 minutes into the show - when it appears on catch-up. I enjoyed the chat.
#9 2021-12-05 05:02:27
- A Fine Sadness
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
Elms and JJ together. Glad I live in an area where the hills interfere with reception.
#10 2022-05-04 15:00:44
- AFS
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Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
Would anyone dare imitate his habit of keeping his trousers up with a scarf or a tie instead of a belt?
Just been watching him dancing with Rita Hayworth. Fabulous.
#11 2022-05-04 16:16:10
- Uncle Ian
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- From: North London
- Posts: 224
Re: Ultimate Cool: Fred Astaire
I've tried that. Sadly you have to be Fred to pull it off.