One Meatball

About The Sound

A musician is someone who composes, conducts, or performs music. According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general term used to designate a person who follows music as a profession. Musicians include songwriters, who write both music and lyrics for songs; conductors, who direct a musical performance; and performers, who perform for an audience. A music performer is generally either a singer (also known as a vocalist), who provides vocals, or an instrumentalist, who plays...

About This Footage

This rare "soundie" clip from 1940 is a fascinating artifact of early music video history. Titled "One Meatball," it features a poor old fellow lamenting his inability to afford even one meatball with sauce, a poignant commentary on the economic hardships faced by many during the Great Depression.

The Soundies were an innovative format that predated modern music videos by decades. These three-minute musical films were produced in New York, Chicago, and Hollywood between 1940 and 1946, often featuring short dance sequences. The Panoram, a coin-operated film jukebox or machine music, displayed these shorts in nightclubs, bars, restaurants, factory lounges, and amusement centers.

The Soundies covered a wide range of genres, from classical to big-band swing, hillbilly novelties, and patriotic songs. Many notable artists of the time appeared in these shorts, including Jimmy Dorsey, Spike Jones, Liberace, Stan Kenton, Gale Storm, Kay Starr, Doris Day, The Hoosier Hot Shots, Harry "The Hipster" Gibson, Gene Krupa, Anita O'Day, Merle Travis, and Lawrence Welk. These performances not only entertained audiences but also provided opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in a format that was both new and exciting.

What makes this particular clip notable is its rarity and the fact that it has been preserved for over 80 years. The Soundies were often released within months of filming, and many have since been lost or destroyed. However, thanks to the efforts of collectors and archivists, "One Meatball" remains a valuable piece of music history.

The clip's significance extends beyond its entertainment value, as it offers a glimpse into the lives of everyday people during a tumultuous period in American history. The poor old fellow's lament about his inability to afford even one meatball resonates with the struggles faced by many during the Great Depression.

In addition to its historical importance, this clip is also notable for its representation of African-American artists who had limited opportunities to perform in public venues at the time. Many Soundies featured performances by black musicians and dancers, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and break down racial barriers.

The inclusion of "One Meatball" in the DeepCutsArchive collection is a testament to the archive's commitment to preserving rare and unique musical artifacts. This clip serves as a reminder of the rich history of music video production and the impact it had on shaping the industry into what we know today.

As we watch this vintage soundie, we are transported back to a bygone era, where music was not only a source of entertainment but also a reflection of the times in which it was created. "One Meatball" is more than just a nostalgic relic; it's a window into the past that offers valuable insights into the lives and struggles of people during one of America's most challenging periods.

Curated from public records and music databases.