Some Artie Shaw not covered in the various obits. I once wrote for a show on great bands and was surprised to find out how popular Artie Shaw had been in the late 30's and 40's. Everyone knows Begin the Beguine, Frenesi, Stardust (shares distinction of best version along with Nat Cole), Moonglow and lots of other still played recordings. People forget that the Artie Shaw big band was the most popular of 1939 and 1941, more popular than Miller, Dorsey, anybody. He is now famous for six super hits, but the best short albums are HERE and HERE for those of you who just want a taste, and either of these is a hell of a taste. Shaw was a total weirdo but what a talent. At the hight of his popularity his band was making $600,000 PER WEEK in today's dollars. Powerline excerpts the very good WSJ piece only available to subscribers