Jazzism 18.2 - My Funny Valentine

Jazzism 18.2 - My Funny Valentine

From Jazzism (a katzpheno mix) by Brian Phoenix

February 14, 2025 · 1h 4m · Season 18 · Episode 2

About this episode

This episode explores the origins of Valentines Day and offers a curated jazz soundtrack for romantic occasions.

Greetings All You Young Jazz Lovers, February 14th in the USA is officially Valentines Day, a day created by a small entrepenuer ages ago to... well, quite frankly sell more product. The origins seem to begin around 1850 in Massachusetts with a woman regarded as the mother of the American valentine - Esther Howland, the daughter of a stationer. She started making small Valentine cards made of layers of lace with printed images on them. She hired a bunch of local girls to create them at home in her parlor and sent them out with her brothers who were traveling salesmen and thus the Valentines Day card industry and eventual holiday, as we now know it was born. Over the years consumers were told by the card makers that today is THE day to express your deepest romantic notions to that special someone. Oh, and by the way these same greeting card companies just happened to have the perfect sentiment printed on a card, just in case you are at a loss for words to offer to your love interest. Neat, huh? Pretty soon candy makers and florists were in on the bit and quicker than a stolen kiss an industry was born. "Love for sale, appetizing young love for sale." Now of course all young jazz…

People in this episode

Host: Brian Phoenix

Topics covered

  • Valentines Day
  • jazz music
  • romantic soundtrack
  • history of Valentines Day
  • cultural commentary

Keywords

  • Valentines Day
  • jazz
  • romantic music
  • Esther Howland
  • greeting cards
  • candy
  • flowers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: greeting card companies, candy makers, florists

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