Big Noise From Winnetka – 1951

Bob Haggart and Ray Bauduc

A hit for Bob Crosby in 1938 played by the original duo

It was an unlikely hit in 1938.

Bassist Bob Haggart, who was also a major songwriter and arranger, and drummer Ray Bauduc were members of the Bob Crosby Orchestra and also played with Bob Crosby’s Bobcats (a small Dixieland unit taken out of the big band).

On “Big Noise From Winnetka,” they performed an unusual bass-drums duet with Haggart whistling the simple and memorable melody.

After the theme, Bauduc took a drum solo that climaxed with him rhythmically hitting the strings of Haggart’s bass while Haggart fingered the notes.

13 years later, they were filmed for this remake which captures the song’s magic.

-Scott Yanow