Jax blog #9 – Oh, Ziegfeld

Oh, Ziegfeld came about in 1978. I was working as a clerk in the storeroom at The Burbank Studios, at the time on the old Warner Bros. lot on Olive Ave. Across from the storeroom on Stage 16 they were shooting a musical biography of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr called "Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women" starring Paul Shenar and a bevy of beauties including Samantha Eggar and Valerie Perrine. The made for TV movie was directed by Buzz Kulik, who was known for directing the CBS anthology series Playhouse 90 and many episodes of The Twilight Zone.

When they started shooting on Stage 16, I'd go over on my lunch break and watch the action. I knew a bit about Ziegfeld's career and of the artists who had been in his Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway in the 20's and 30's before movies became more profitable. Entertainers like Fanny Brice, Billie Burke, Eddie Cantor, Will Rogers, Helen Morgan, W.C. Fields and more. I wanted to see who they'd cast and when I found out the very popular, in 1978, Valerie Perrine was in it, I made sure to check it out. 

Along the way, while watching the filming, the idea of a song from 1974 reappeared in my head, and I put it to paper while on my breaks at work. I had a tune for it in mind and I figured I'd go over to the production and see if anyone would be interested. As it turned out, a production secretary told me that all the songs for the show were already set. They were period songs from his life and it was too late to add anything.
She wouldn't even listen or look at it.

This song was originally meant for an ingenue like Liza Minnelli, who was very popular at that time, having been successful in the musical film of Cabaret. I had started my preliminary sketch of the lyrics after seeing her in the movie in 1974  But since I didn't write music at that time, it just stayed in my head and was primed to take off for the Ziegfeld movie. I don't have a recording of it, but I hope you enjoy the lyrics. 

Oh, Ziegfeld

Grandma used to tell me, of Broadway long ago
How she got her chance to sing and dance
With the very best of shows, by singing...

Oh... Ziegfled, Flo Ziegfeld, remember me?
I am the one you saw in that show called "Gay Paree"
You promised me a big part in
Your show at the Winter Garden
But, winter's come, and I am still in the cold

Oh... Ziegfeld, Flo Ziegfeld, please look at me 
I've got the charm and talent you know they want to see
You promised me all Broadway
A show on the the Great White Way
But, shows have come and gone, and I'm still alone

Oh, how my mother'd be proud
No longer just one of the crowd
Seeing me walk on to the stage
To the audiences cheers and raves

Oh... Ziegfeld, Flo Ziegfeld, I'm here at last
I'm here to take my place in the ranks of your great cast
I'm here ready to swing in
When are we going to begin
Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with it
Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with it
Mr. Ziegfeld, let's get on with the show

Jack T. Leyton
1974

I'm hoping to record it someday with a young lady who can do it justice. But....
We'll see...
🖖✌️