‘Parisomania'? Jack Hylton and the French connection.

Mawer, Deborah (2008) ‘Parisomania'? Jack Hylton and the French connection. Journal of the Royal Musical Association, 133 (2). pp. 270-317. ISSN 1471-6933

Abstract

Like many figures in popular music, the British dance bandleader and entrepreneur Jack Hylton (1892-1965) has been largely forgotten. Through concert tours of France and nostalgic recordings with Chevalier, Hylton forged a connection which peaked at the Paris Opéra. Despite his large French-related repertory, which included ‘jazz’ arrangements of Stravinsky’s Mavra, Ravel’s Boléro and chansons, his American-influenced style was ultimately international. If his obsession justified the quip of ‘Parisomania’, there was reason in his madness.