Jesse Polka (Jesusita en Chihuahua) – Fiddle Tune a Day – Day 49

I originally learned this tune when I was about 12 from Heather Humphries, who was my first “real” fiddle teacher. Before Heather, I had violin teachers trying to teach me fiddle tunes, and I played tunes that I learned by ear from my dad or grandpa. Heather is a really sweet lady, and not only can she fiddle, but you should hear her sing Bury me Beneath the Willow. She has a beautiful voice to boot.

I first heard the name Jesusita en Chihuahua from Paul Anastasio, when he came back to Weiser from Mexico, where he had been studying the folk fiddling of Mexico from the great fiddle master of the tierra caliente, Juan Reynoso. And, since then I have used both names for it, because I think it’s good to give credit where credit is due.

And, regarding the decor – since Allie was doing the filming tonight, I let her pick the backdrop.

Jesusita en Chihuahua according to Wikipedia

“Jesusita en Chihuahua” is a Mexican polka which was written by Quirino Mendoza y Cortés while he was serving as a Lt. Colonel in the Mexican Revolution and directing the military band in Puebla.^{[1] [2] [3]} Its premiere was held onChristmas Day 1916^[1][2][3] and it has since been covered by a multitude of artists, under a variety of names. The composition became a trademark of the Mexican Revolution and was Pancho Villa’s favorite musical piece to have his bands play during combat.^[4] The piece centers around soldaderas; women who accompanied the revolutionaries, tending to their needs and on occasion even taking up arms to participate in combat.^[5]

Versions

“Jesusita en Chihuahua” came to be known by some as the “J.C. Polka” for short and overtime this developed into the “Jesse Polka” (or the “Jessie Polka”). Texas swing band Cliff Bruner and the Texas Wanderers started playing the piece in 1938 under the “Jessie Polka” name, bringing it great popularity. Cliff Bruner reportedly learned the piece as a child from Mexican farm workers in Beaumont, Texas. The piece also came to be known by the name “The Cactus Polka” under Lawrence Welk.

Film

A Mexican film titled “Jesusita en Chihuahua” was released in 1942 starring Pedro Infante as the mayor of Chihuahua who is aided by the tough Jesusita (Susana Guízar). Mendoza’s polka is featured in the film.

“Jesusita en Chihuahua” has been featured in many other films including “The Three Caballeros” (1944), “Anchors Aweigh” (1945), “This Was Pancho Villa” (1957), “¡Cielito lindo!” (1957), Sueños de oro” (1958), “Quiero ser artista (1958), “La diligencia de la muerte” (1961), “Perdóname mi vida” (1965), “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992), and “My Family” (1995). English and Spanish lyrics were written to the piece for the film “Love Laughs at Andy Hardy” (1946). Another set of English lyrics were written to the piece by Jack Elliott for the film “Old Los Angeles” (1948).

Jesse Polka according to the Fiddler’s Companion

JESUCITA/JESUSITA EN CHIHUAHUA. AKA and see “Jesse Polka.” Tex‑Mex, Polka. Texas, New Mexico, Mexico. A Mexican anthem, originally composed in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution in 1912. ‘Jesusita’ is the female personification of Jesus, while Chihuahua is a state in Mexico; the title refers, however, to female supporters of the revolutionary soldiers, who not only provided for their needs, but took up arms to fight alongside their men when the occasion demanded. It is a melody played today by school mariachi bands (around Tuscon, for example). The alternate title, “Jesse Polka,” may be related to the fact that Jesus was the seed of Jesse. According to Ned Kartchner Lawrence Welk played the song and called it the “Cactus Polka.” The tune features plucked (pizzicato) parts. It is used sometimes, according to Yankee Ingenuity, for the dance “The Jesse Polka.” Varrick VR‑302, Yankee Ingenuity ‑ “Heatin’ Up the Hall” (1989).