For a Limited Time, I am offering excellent copies of the original Ted Baxter and Max Kortlander arrangement of QRS-186, "Ching-Chong", which was first produced in 1917. Nine copies this lively Jazz arrangement, complete with the controversial lyrics printed on the roll, are still available for sale. (SOLD OUT!!)

This roll was produced by Tim Baxter, the owner of Meliora Rolls, who recently purchased a program and equipment which allows him to put the lyrics on a music roll. The rolls were cut by the Tonnelson's in Texas, then Tim put the lyrics on the roll and boxed and labeled them, using a label (on the outside) that I made up. A copy of the original label comes with the roll. These rolls are instant collector's items which are available for $25.00 plus $5.75 S/H. Click Here to place an order using our Secure Order Form. Just fill in the form and then type "Ching-Chong" in the Comments Box.

Personally, this is my all-time favorite player piano music roll. I love the music and, being about San Francisco, I feel a closeness to the story because I was raised just seven miles from where this story took place, and I visited Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf many times as a youth. Gabriel Della Fave, from Gabe's Player Pianos thinks so highly of the tune that he made a live recording, using his Lexington-Super Simplex ("Mabel"). You can click here to hear the MP3 file.....

Musically,

John A. Tuttle

 (Verse 1)
   'Way out in old "San-Fran" there is a Chi-na-man,
     who's known for miles a-round;
   Won-der-ful place he keeps, down where he eats and sleeps,
     way un-der-neath the ground!
   Each night the fes-tive chinks, come there to wink and blink,
     and dream a-way the hours.
   They sing this fun-ny song while they are borne a-long
     on beds of pop-py flow'rs,

 (Chorus)
   "Ching Chong, Oh Mis-ter Ching Chong,
     you're the king of Chi-na-town,
   Ching Chong, I love your sing-song
     when you have turned the lights all down;
   Ching Chong, just let me swing 'long
     thru the realms of drow-sy land;
   dream-ing while stars are beam-ing,
     Oh! Mis-ter Ching Chong, sing-song man."

 (Piano Interlude)

 (Verse 2)
   When you're in "Fris-co town" don't fail to drop a-round
     and see this Ching Chong man.
   Wonderful things you'll learn down where the torch-es burn,
     he'll show you all he can.
   Then, when the time is ripe he'll fill your lit-tle pipe
     and then a light he'll bring.
   Gent-ly you'll float a-way far out on slum-ber bay ,
    and soft-ly you will sing:

 (Chorus)