How do you rate the Negro League greats when discussing the history of baseball?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

You can only judge a man by who he played against. Or was allowed to play again. The whole exercise of comparing leagues and comparing eras is interesting of course, but can only recognize greatness where and when it existed. Would be like arguing that Hoagy Carmichael couldn't write a hit song today for Britney Spears. Who knows.

Lifelong Carmichael fan here.

Your point brings to mind a story which could practically apply to our baseball discussion as opposed to the music world if he was talking about older players vs. new!

Shortly before rock & roll exploded, Hoagy could already see the tides of music turning. According to a late in life interview, Hoagy claimed to have written a trunk full of songs that would have all been hits in an earlier time. He knew they wouldn't go anywhere with how the world had changed, so they never saw the light of day.

If practically any other songwriter had claimed to have a trunk full of unreleased hits, I'd be a bit dubious. I take Hoagy's claim as gospel. He wasn't a braggart, nor an egomaniac. Man, I hope those songs will see the light of day in the right hands and be properly arranged and recorded.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Lifelong Carmichael fan here. Your point brings to mind a story which could practically apply to our baseball discussion as opposed to the music world if he was talking about older players vs. new!
Shortly before rock & roll exploded, Hoagy could already see the tides of music turning. According to a late in life interview, Hoagy claimed to have written a trunk full of songs that would have all been hits in an earlier time. He knew they wouldn't go anywhere with how the world had changed, so they never saw the light of day. If practically any other songwriter had claimed to have a trunk full of unreleased hits, I'd be a bit dubious. I take Hoagy's claim as gospel. He wasn't a braggart, nor an egomaniac. Man, I hope those songs will see the light of day in the right hands and be properly arranged and recorded.

He was the coolest of the cool, an A-lister from the Jazz Age and then stole every movie scene he was ever in!

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by Hankphenom

He was the coolest of the cool, an A-lister from the Jazz Age and then stole every movie scene he was ever in!

Hoagy was one of my favorite Jazz artists in the 1940's. He composed "Star Dust" (lyrics and music), and other greats.... "Skylark", "Ole Buttermilk Sky", "Rockin' Chair", etc.

And, you are correct Hank.....he usually "stole every movie scene he was ever in".


TED Z

T206 Reference
.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Lifelong Carmichael fan here.

Your point brings to mind a story which could practically apply to our baseball discussion as opposed to the music world if he was talking about older players vs. new!

Shortly before rock & roll exploded, Hoagy could already see the tides of music turning. According to a late in life interview, Hoagy claimed to have written a trunk full of songs that would have all been hits in an earlier time. He knew they wouldn't go anywhere with how the world had changed, so they never saw the light of day.

If practically any other songwriter had claimed to have a trunk full of unreleased hits, I'd be a bit dubious. I take Hoagy's claim as gospel. He wasn't a braggart, nor an egomaniac. Man, I hope those songs will see the light of day in the right hands and be properly arranged and recorded.

Never thought we'd see a Hoagy Carmichael reference, in a discussion on Negro League Baseball Players! In terms of "a trunk full of unreleased hits" my mind immediately went to Prince, who apparently has a vault full on unreleased material. Probably where the comparison between the two ends however!

Originally Posted by tedzan

Hoagy was one of my favorite Jazz artists in the 1940's. He composed "Star Dust" (lyrics and music), and other greats.... "Skylark", "Ole Buttermilk Sky", "Rockin' Chair", etc.

And, you are correct Hank.....he usually "stole every movie scene he was ever in".


TED Z

T206 Reference
.

Ted,

Always love when you chime in on my threads. Can't forget Heart And Soul as well, when it comes to Mr. Carmichael! Hope all is well!