Billie Holiday
ListenYour Mother’s Son-in-Law · 1933
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, with Billie Holiday — “Your Mother’s Son-in-Law,” 1933.
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1933 · Columbia
Your Mother’s Son-in-Law / Tappin’ the Barrel
Billie Holiday was eighteen when John Hammond arranged her first commercial session with Benny Goodman. “Your Mother’s Son-in-Law” captures her voice at the beginning of her recording career. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0134 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, with Billie Holiday |
| Release | 1933 · United States |
| Label | Columbia · 2856-D |
| Format | 10-inch blue shellac disc · 78 rpm |
| Issue | Columbia Royal Blue issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | EX-/VG++ · E playback |
Release history and significance
Hammond heard Holiday singing in Harlem and brought Goodman to hear her. On 27 November 1933 she entered the studio with his orchestra, joining experienced players including Jack Teagarden and Gene Krupa for her first record. [1] [2]
The bright, brisk “Your Mother’s Son-in-Law” is a small vocal feature within a band recording. Columbia issued it under Goodman’s orchestra credit, with the instrumental “Tappin’ the Barrel” on the reverse. Holiday’s recording career began here as a guest voice on someone else’s record. [2] [3]
Market context
Discogs records a US$300 sale for this Royal Blue edition, dated 7 February 2023, as listed on 13 September 2026. [3]
Physical Description
A ten-inch Columbia Royal Blue shellac disc with catalogue number 2856-D. The blue material and Columbia labels distinguish this edition from the later black-shellac repress. [3]
Condition
The disc is graded EX-/VG++, with E-level playback. It has strong gloss and clean labels, with light superficial scuffs and hairlines. Playback is clear, with minimal crackle and no clicks, pops or skips reported during inspection.
Provenance
Purchased directly from pianist and early-jazz historian Tom Roberts on 29 July 2026. His professional work as a performer and music historian focuses on early jazz. [4]
Sources
- Billie Holiday Estate, official timeline. Hammond’s arrangement of the first recording session with Goodman at age eighteen.
- Billie Holiday Songs, 1933 recording sessions. Harlem club context, 27 November session, personnel and original coupling.
- Discogs, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, release 14492666. Columbia 2856-D Royal Blue edition and sales record.
- Tom Roberts, official biography. Early-jazz performance and historical work.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.