Sonny Dunnham "Desert Fantasy (Scherazade)" 1946 78RPM Vogue Picture R774 (VG)

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Elmer "Sonny" Dunham (born November 16, 1911 Died July 9, 1990) was an American trumpet player and bandleader. A versatile musician, he was one of the few trumpet players who could double on the trombone with equal skill.

Vogue picture records are phonograph records on the "Vogue" label which have a picture (an artist's illustration) embedded in the transparent vinyl of the record. The illustrations on each side of the record are usually related to the title of the song on that side. Many of the illustrations are mushy romantic themes. The most common Vogue picture records are 10-inch, 78 RPM records, although a few 12-inch, 78 RPM Vogue picture records were also produced.

Vogue picture records were produced by Sav-Way Industries of Detroit, Michigan. The first 10-inch Vogue picture record (catalog number R707) was released to the public in May 1946. Production ceased less than a year later in April 1947, with Sav-Way entering into receivership in August 1947. During this time, approximately seventy-four different 10-inch Vogue picture records were released.

Each illustration has an "R" number (or catalog number) printed on it, ranging from R707 to R786. There are gaps in the sequence; not all of the eighty possible catalog numbers were used. There is also a "P" number (or matrix number) printed on the illustration (next to the copyright symbol). The printed matrix number should match the matrix number inscribed in the lead-out area of the record.

In 1946 Sonny Dunham And His Orchestra  released "Desert Fantasy (Scherazade)" backed with "Save Me A Dream" as Vogue Picture Record R774. The song on Side-A "Desert Fantasy (Scherazade)" is an instrumental. The song on Side-B "Save Me A Dream" is a vocal selection written by Milton Berle, Nick Kenny and Abner Silver. © 26sep1946.

The record is in Very Good (VG) condition with with light surface marks and a couple of deeper scratches, but they do not affect play. The record plays well on my turntable with no skips and plays completely through without problems. There are some noticeable tics and the surface noise is worse at the beginning of the record, probably due to careless needle drops on a mechanical turntable. The background noise is a little higher than I would like, but probably about normal for 78 RPM records that were played on mechanical record players. After all, this record is 70 years old. The appearance is Excellent with The pictures bright and lively and no noticeable fading . The sleeve is a heavy gold paper sleeve. Please see the Photographs for condition.