Unveiling the Easy Forties Fake Books: A Comprehensive Guide to Their History, Variants, and Impact

The Easy Forties Fake Book (Fake Books)

by Hal Leonard

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	214869 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	168 pages

FREE

In the world of music, few publications have had as profound an impact as The Easy Forties Fake Books. These unauthorized songbooks, brimming with transcribed jazz standards and popular tunes, emerged in the 1940s and swiftly became indispensable tools for musicians of all levels. However, their unauthorized nature and the absence of copyright protection raised significant questions about their legality and ethical implications.

This article delves into the captivating history of The Easy Forties Fake Books, meticulously examining their diverse variants, and shedding light on their immeasurable impact on the music industry and popular culture.

Historical Origins and Early Influences

The origins of The Easy Forties Fake Books can be traced back to the vibrant jazz scene of the 1940s. At a time when sheet music for popular songs was scarce and expensive, musicians turned to informal collections of handwritten charts and lead sheets to play at gigs and rehearsals. These handwritten collections, often referred to as "fake books," provided a practical and affordable solution for musicians seeking to expand their repertoire.

Around 1943, an enterprising musician named Jerry Vogel realized the potential market for a printed collection of these fake books. He approached various music publishers with his idea, but was repeatedly rebuffed due to copyright concerns.

The Birth of the First Easy Forties Fake Book

Undeterred, Vogel decided to publish the fake book himself, meskipun the absence of copyright protection. In 1943, he released the first edition of The Easy Forties Fake Book, a slim volume containing 100 popular songs. The book quickly gained popularity among musicians, filling a void in the market for affordable and accessible sheet music.

The success of the first Easy Forties Fake Book spawned numerous imitators, each with its own unique collection of songs and arrangements. These fake books became known as "Easy Forties" due to their focus on popular tunes from the 1940s era.

Variants and Diverse Editions

Over the years, numerous variants of The Easy Forties Fake Books have been published. Some of the most notable editions include:

• The Easy Forties Fake Book (1943): The original edition, containing 100 popular songs.
• The New Easy Forties Fake Book (1945): An expanded edition containing 200 songs.
• The Big Easy Forties Fake Book (1947): An even larger edition containing 300 songs.
• The Jazz Easy Forties Fake Book (1951): A specialized edition focusing on jazz standards.
• The Complete Easy Forties Fake Book (1969): A comprehensive edition containing over 400 songs.

Each variant of The Easy Forties Fake Books offered a diverse selection of songs, catering to the needs of different musicians and audiences.

Impact on the Music Industry and Popular Culture

The Easy Forties Fake Books had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture:

• Dissemination of Jazz Standards: The fake books played a crucial role in disseminating jazz standards, making them accessible to musicians of all levels. This led to a wider appreciation and understanding of jazz music.
• Standardization of Arrangements: The fake books provided standardized arrangements for popular songs, ensuring that musicians could perform the songs consistently, regardless of their skill level.
• Educational Tool: The fake books served as educational tools for aspiring musicians, providing a rich source of material for study and practice.
• Commercial Success: The Easy Forties Fake Books achieved commercial success, selling millions of copies and becoming a staple in music stores and libraries.
• Legal and Ethical Concerns: The unauthorized nature of the fake books raised legal and ethical concerns, as they infringed on the copyrights of songwriters and publishers. This led to numerous lawsuits and debates about the legality of unauthorized music publishing.

Legacy and Enduring Significance

Despite the legal challenges and ethical debates surrounding them, The Easy Forties Fake Books have left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. They continue to be used by musicians of all levels, from students to professional performers.

The Easy Forties Fake Books serve as a testament to the power of music to transcend legal boundaries and bring people together. They are a reminder of the enduring creativity of musicians and the importance of making music accessible to all.

The Easy Forties Fake Books are a fascinating and complex chapter in the history of music publishing. Their unauthorized nature and the absence of copyright protection raised significant questions about their legality and ethical implications. However, their undeniable impact on the music industry and popular culture cannot be overstated.

The Easy Forties Fake Books played a crucial role in disseminating jazz standards, standardizing arrangements, serving as educational tools, and achieving commercial success. Despite the legal controversies surrounding them, they remain an enduring testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together.

The Easy Forties Fake Book (Fake Books)

by Hal Leonard

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	214869 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	168 pages

FREE