A Diller, A Dollar (1955) (continued)

[Robert Fitzke]

Dear Mr. Gray:

I'm a 79 year old semi-retired lawyer and long-time ADS lurker. I'm also a
long-time collector of jazz  records (since age 12) with something more than
1,000 albums. I recently bought a CD of Frankie Laine hits (he was big in my
late teens/early twenties) that includes a cut of "Shine". In listening to
it I think I really heard the lyrics for the first time. The thought ocurred
that there must be something more behind these lyrics than it appears from a
casual listen. Specifically it seems as if the lyricist has taken a
collection of derogatory racial comments and turned them into compliments.

You seem to have an interest in music and a knowledge of these matters. Do
you happen to know anything about the background behind this song or if my
impression is on or off target?

Will appreciate your comments.

Bob Fitzke