Happy 100th Birthday to comedian/actor/director Jerry Lewis!

Jerry became a household name when he teamed up with Dean Martin in 1946.

For ten years, they dominated the entertainment world. They appeared on radio, on televison and made 16 films together before ending their partnership in 1956.

There was plenty of speculation as to whether or not either could make it without the other. They each went on to prove that they most certainly could, as they both went on to have great solo careers.

Jerry continued to make movies for Paramount (where he and Dean made their films. He certainly made some very funny films: Cinderfella, The Bellboy, The Big Mouth, and many more. The one that stands out as a masterpiece is his take on the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – The Nutty Professor.

This was always my favorite Jerry Lewis movie. The cast also included the beautiful Stella Stevens, Kathleen Freeman, Del Moore and Howard Morris.

Long story short – Jerry plays the nerdy Professor Kelp who mixes up a concoction that truns him into the coolest swinger ever. The girls swoon over him and they guys think he’s cool too. It doesn’t take long for life to spin out of control for the professor.

The end of the film features a school dance. The entertainment is none other than Les Brown and His Band of Reknown. Les Brown and His Band of Renown, known for their tight, danceable swing, made it a staple in their repertoire during the 1940s, often highlighting the saxophone section’s ability to play fast, interlocking parts. Les and the band play his theme song, “Leap Frog,” which accompanies a very funny scene in the film.

“Leap Frog” is a swing-era instrumental standard composed and arranged by Joe Garland and was also associated with Louis Armstrong before becoming a staple for Les Brown. We never got to play it when I was in band, but the class after us did. I had one of the trumpet players make me a copy of the music, so I could play it at home.

As old as the recording is, I still think it sounds great. It bounces and it swings.

In honor of his 100th birthday, we have to watch Jerry dance …

Happy 100th, Jerry!!