I never could whistle. I mean I always thought I was pretty much on tune, but there was a disconnect there, that sometimes I knew I was off, but couldn't correct it like I can on my trombone. If the note sounds a little flat, I just adjust the slide up a little. With my whistle, I don't seem to have that ability, even when I hear it. Even at that, I may be better than a whole lot of people, but still, not any quality to speak of.

Isn't it funny how specialized a skill it is, beyond just making the sounds. There is a windy or airy flaw that creeps into the amateur's pure sounds, and --- well I guess it's another one of those things that you know good whistling when you hear it. If I ever were suddenly, through a lightning bolt, be able to whistle, I would like it to sound like Elmo Tanner, who whistled the famous "Heartaches" with the Ted Weems orchestra. Here is a audio clip from 1938, and the lyrics below if you want to whistle or sing along.

Words & Music by John Klenner & Al Hoffman
Popularized by Ted Weems Orchestra,

G6________G_____F#7
Heart - aches, heart - aches,

G __________________F7____E7
My loving you meant only heart - aches.

Am_______D7________G/B___Em
Your kiss was such a sacred thing to me;

A7______________Cm______D7
I can't believe it's just a burn - ing mem - o - ry.


G6________F#7
Heart - aches, heart - aches --

G_____________G7__F#7__F7__E7
What does it matter how my heart breaks?

Am______Cm______G__G/F#__A7
I should be happy with some - one new,

__Am7___D7_Am7_D7_G
But my heart aches for you.