{Monday Music Minute} Annette Hanshaw’s “Pagan Love Song”

Known as “The Personality Girl”, Annette Hanshaw was a popular chanteuse of the 1920s who brought a modern spirit to the classic ingenue. She was signed with Pathe records, and later married label executive Herman Rose, effectively retiring from entertainment altogether.

While for many years it was believed the actress had begun her singing career shortly after her 16th birthday, it has been recently revealed that, in fact, Hanshaw was born in 1901, and not 1910, making her 25 at the time of her first recording in 1926.

She was a prolific performer (with over 780 recordings!), and made records under dozens of pseudonyms including Gay Ellis for sentimental songs, Dot Dare and Patsy Young (for Betty Boop impressions), as well as Ethel Bingham, Marion Lee, Janet Shaw, and Lelia Sandford. And while she made an attempt at a comeback later in her life, the demos were never released.

We bring you now her 1929 classic “Pagan Love Song” to drift away with, and help enjoy the day. . . her voice is the pinnacle of that 1920s sound, and is as fresh and true as ever. It’s the perfect song for these hot and lazy summer days.

Please enjoy, and look for more of Annette Hanshaw‘s wonderful recordings (we are blessed to have them) !