New Orleans by Arthur Lubin: Farewell to Storyville

Here's a scene from Lubin's film 'New Orleans' made in 1947. Farewell Storyville performed by Billie Holiday (aka Lady Day), Louis Armstrong the band-leader, Woody Herman, etc..



The lyrics of Farewell to Storyville:

All, you old-time queens, from New Orleans, who lived in Storyville
You sang the blues, try to amuse, here's how they pay the bill
The law stepped in and called it sin to have a little fun
The police car has made a stop and Storyville is done
Pick out your steamboat, pick yourself a train - a slo-ow train
Pick out your steamboat, pick yourself a train - a slo-ow train
They made you close-up they'll never let you back - won't let you back
Go buy your ticket or else you walk the track

No use complaining, blue sky's follow rain - the cold-old rain
No use complaining, blue sky's follow rain - the cold-old rain
Just say farewell now and get your one last thrill - your one last thrill
Just say farewell now, farewell to Storyville

No use complaining, blue sky's follow rain - the cold-old rain
Just say farewell now, farewell to Storyville

Just say farewell now and get your one last thrill - your one last thrill
Just say farewell now, farewell to Storyville



Storyville was the infamous red light district of New Orleans from 1897 through 1917. The image was made by Ben Ledbetter architect


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"Some early jazz writers suggested that Storyville was key in the development of jazz and that its closing was responsible for New Orleans musicians leaving for Chicago; but this is now regarded as inaccurate. Some people from elsewhere continue to associate Storyville with the origins of jazz. It was tradition in the better Storyville establishments to hire a piano player and sometimes small bands." (wikipedia)

And indeed, "how about one more tune before we leave?" I like the lady throwing a farewell stone at the window.