Pennies from Heaven

…his film career (beginning with Pennies from Heaven, 1936) and radio appearances. Though his own bands usually played in a more conservative style, Armstrong was the dominant influence on the swing era, when most trumpeters attempted to emulate his inclination to dramatic structure, melody, or technical virtuosity. Trombonists, too, appropriated…

…to Columbia, where he made Pennies from Heaven, a sentimental musical that was memorable largely for its Oscar-nominated song and the musical skills of Louis Armstrong. Mind Your Own Business (1936), another Ruggles showcase, concluded McLeod’s Paramount career on a relatively low note.