One of the definite hindrances of examining the beginnings of any medium is that information or entire samples tend to be poorly preserved. Many silent films and early television broadcasts will never be seen by the general public. The earliest video games coded on mainframes on college campuses have long since been expunged. Sounds from the 1920s and 1930s may remain, but the facts surrounding them may be lost to the ether. Such is the case with the group/song I intend to highlight today.
What is known is that Ted Brownagle was the leader of an orchestra that recorded music in the mid to late 20s. The Discography of American Historical Recordings lists their earliest output as being from 1924, with today’s song hailing from 1928. After that year was out, they produced nothing more. Some complimentary research has shown that they came from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and played for different venues (this account says they played for a Fraternal Order). Beyond this, the group is shrouded in mystery. Even with a lack of knowledge, the fact remains that this song is quite good.
The song comes from the never-ending parade of “female name” songs, but incorporates the name right away. The rhymes that play off of “Helen” are clever and do not sound forced. The vocalists (uncredited for this track) rely on vocal variety to strengthen the song. Before too long, they use scatting to compliment the main content, lest it wear on the listener. After an instrumental break, the singers return for a quick cap to the lyrical narrative. All in all, it stands as a simple message: the singer loves Helen and feels compelled to tell the world. The listener is treated to this love story, and given an opportunity to dance. The tune might not have lofty goals, or be particularly high energy. That may have led to the lack of notoriety experienced by Brownagle and his Orchestra. The song still meets its goals and plays by the “rules” for popular music at the time, still enjoyable today.
Music Through the Mists of Time 