Music: Squeakless Hallelujah

Last winter it was discovered that Vincent Lopez, pudgy, decorous danceband leader, had been brooding long and heavily over the unsingableness of The Star-Spangled Banner. Suggested by Bandleader Lopez was a new version of his own, with its high notes pruned to fit the limitations of the average voice (TIME, Feb. 7). Bandleader Lopez' version, duly performed in Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre, caused very mild applause. But last week, as Congress was hurrying toward adjournment, publicity-loving Congressman Emanuel Celler (N. Y.) urged official acceptance of Lopez' "squeakless" anthem. Said Congressman Celler: "Why not...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!