Dedicated to Borrah Minevitch – Johnny Puleo and all Harmonica Rascals
Although regarded by some folk
as crude and simple toys
the pleasure of harmonica
were shared by scores of boys
A youth called Borrah Minevitch
selling papers on the street
would play mouth-organ melodies
his customers to treat
In a theatre show on Broadway
to appear he got the chance
a stepping stone to stardom
and stagecraft to enhance
But the showmanship of Minevitch
Borrah’s unique brand
lay dormant in his solo act
untill he formed a band
At first a youthful orchestra
who’s numbers were too great
but the ‘master’ pruned the players down
and “his Rascals” did create
The talent of its players
shot the group to fame
through ‘stage’ and ‘screen’ and ‘radio’
soon a household name
Leo, Abe and Fuzzy
Ernie, Hal and Mike
just six of the originals
we’ll never see their like
The ‘maestro’ was the figurehead
who always took ‘spotlight’
with little Johnny Puleo
his constant scourge and blight
Vaudeville and music-hall
short ‘movies’ for the ‘flicks’
they played a London symphony
in nineteen thirty six
The century’s almost over
our offsprings want for nought
but will they every feel the joy
that “Borrah’s Rascals” brought
© Brian L. Holland August 1997