Monthly Archives: March 2024

“The Last Rose of Summer” – Nina Simone (1964)

In his book, Yesterdays: Popular Song in America, Charles Hamm lists “The Last Rose of Summer” as among the Top Selling Foreign Songs in America in 1870. The lyrics are from a poem by Irish poet Thomas Moore written in … Continue reading

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“Brother Can You Spare a Dime?” – Rudy Vallee (1932)

“Brother Can You Spare a Dime?” is of course one of the, if not the, most recognizable songs of the Depression Era. The words are by Yip Harburg (1896-1981), the music by Jay Gorney (1896-1990). It was written in 1932 … Continue reading

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“My Heart is a Hobo” – Big Crosby (1947)

“My Heart is a Hobo” is a ballad written by Johnny Burke (lyrics) (1908-1964) and Jimmy Van Heusen (music) (1913-1990) for the 1947 movie musical Welcome Stranger. Bing Crosby, playing a young doctor, sings the song in a scene that … Continue reading

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“I Want to Be Loved” – Savanah Churchill (1947)

“I Want To Be Loved (But Only By You)” is a 1947 ballad recorded by Savannah Churchill. The single was Churchill’s most successful release on the R&B charts, reaching number one, and staying there for 8 weeks.  It settled at … Continue reading

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“I Get a Kick Out of You” – Ethel Merman (1936)

Cole Porter wrote “I Get a Kick Out of You” for a 1931 Broadway show, Star Dust, which never got produced. The song was, however, later used in Porter’s Broadway show Anything Goes in 1934, sung by Ethel Merman. Other notable … Continue reading

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