Musical Notes - Hoagy Carmichael/Novelty Songs (#57)
May 11, 2010
A fortnightly newsletter highlighting some of the many classic songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog.
From Alan Warner, Creative Consultant
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Songs by Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981) was one of the great American songwriters. Among his most famous ballads are “Stardust” and “Georgia On My Mind” which are controlled by other publishers but through his work with Paramount Pictures, Sony/ATV’s library of classic songs includes four of Hoagy’s finest:
THE NEARNESS OF YOU, IN THE COOL COOL COOL OF THE EVENING, HEART AND SOUL and TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE.
THE NEARNESS OF YOU is simply one of the most exquisite love songs of all time. To Hoagy’s wistful melody, Ned Washington’s superb lyric famously begins
“It's not the pale moon that excites me,
That thrills and delights me,
Oh no, it’s just the nearness of you”.
IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING is a fun uptempo song which won the Best Song Oscar © of 1952.
HEART AND SOUL is not only a great ballad but also became a doo-wop classic after The Cleftones cut it in 1961; their version was heard on the soundtrack of “American Graffiti” twelve years later.
Finally, TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE is an outstanding song which is perfect as a duet but also works equally effectively as a solo ballad.
Here’s an alphabetical guide to 13 of Sony/ATV’s Hoagy Carmichael works:
APRIL IN MY HEART (Hoagy Carmichael/Helen Meinardi)
Performed by Olympe Brandna in the film “Say It In French” (Paramount: 1938) starring Ray Milland
Versions incl: Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra with Billie Holiday (Brunswick/Sony: 1938)
BLUE ORCHIDS*(Hoagy Carmichael)
“I saw my two Blue Orchids, my beautiful blue orchids
Last night and what a sweet surprise
When you looked at me, it was plain to see
Blue orchids only bloom in your eyes”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1939) US #1 Pop
By Benny Goodman & His Orchestra/Vocal: Louise Tobin (Columbia/Sony: 1939) US #7 Pop
By Bob Crosby & His Orchestra/Vocal: Teddy Grace (Decca/Universal: 1939) US #8 Pop
Other versions incl: Matt Monro (UK Parlophone/EMI), Sarah Vaughan (Mercury/Universal)
*Controlled by Sony/ATV ex-USA
COLLEGE SWING (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Performed by Martha Raye, Betty Grable & Skinnay Ennis in the film “College Swing” (Paramount: 1938) which starred George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bob Hope & Martha Raye.
Versions incl: Bob Crosby & His Orchestra (1938 aircheck on World), Roy Fox & His Orchestra/Vocal: Mary Lee (1938 recording on Halcyon)
HEART AND SOUL (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Introduced in the 1938 Paramount short film “A Song Is Born”
“Heart and Soul, I fell in love with you,
Heart and soul, the way a fool would do,
Madly...
Because you held me tight and stole a kiss in the night”.
By Larry Clinton & His Orchestra/Vocal: Bea Wain (Victor/Sony: 1938) US #1 Pop
By Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra/Vocal: Stanley Worth (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #12 Pop
By Al Donohue & His Orchestra/Vocal: Paula Kelly (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #16 Pop
By The Four Aces Featuring Al Alberts (Decca/Universal: 1952) US #11 Pop
By Johnny Maddox (Dot/Universal: 1956) US #57 Pop
By The Cleftones (Gee/Rhino/WMG: 1961) US #10 R&B, #18 Pop
By Jan & Dean (Challenge: 1961) US #25 Pop, UK #24
By The Incredibles (Audio Arts: 1967) US #45 R&B
Other versions incl: Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal), Dean Martin (EMI), Dave Brubeck Trio (Fantasy/Concord), Sue Raney (Capitol/EMI), George Shearing (Concord Jazz), The Four Preps (Capitol/EMI), Irene Reid (MGM/Universal), Mel Torme (Capitol/EMI), Betty Carter (Atlantic/WMG), The Ralph Sharon Sextet (UK Melodisc), Ella Mae Morse (Capitol/EMI), Joe Williams & George Shearing (Sheba/Koch), Floyd Cramer (RCA/Sony), Crystal Gayle (Intersound), The Spaniels (Vee-Jay), Dick Hyman (Command/Universal), Mark Murphy (Capitol/EMI), Modern Jazz Quartet (Savoy), Dave Koz (MCA), Milt Jackson Quartet (Hi-Lo)
I GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU VERY WELL*(Hoagy Carmichael)
Aka I GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU VERY WELL (Except Sometimes)
Performed by Jane Russell & Hoagy Carmichael in the movie “The Las Vegas Story” (RKO: 1952)
“I get along without you very well,
Of course I do,
Except when soft rains fall
And drip from leaves, then I recall
The thrill of being sheltered in your arms.
Of course I do,
But I get along without you very well”
By Red Norvo & His Orchestra/Vocal: Terry Allen
(Vocalion/Sony: 1939) US #3 Pop
By Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra/Vocal: Bob Eberly
(Decca/Universal: 1939) US #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Carly Simon (Warner Bros/WMG), Frank Sinatra (Capitol/EMI), Peggy Lee (Capitol/EMI), Linda Ronstadt (Asylum/WMG), Nina Simone (RCA/Sony), June Christy (Capitol/EMI), Petula Clark (UK Pye),
Matt Monro (Capitol/EMI), Rosemary Clooney (Reprise/WMG), Dinah Shore (Columbia/Sony), Stan Kenton & His Orchestra (Capitol/EMI), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
*Controlled by Sony/ATV ex-USA.
IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer)
“In the cool, cool, cool of the evening
Tell ‘em I’ll be there.
In the cool, cool, cool of the evening
Better save a chair.”
Performed by Bing Crosby & Jane Wyman in the film “Here Comes The Groom” (Paramount: 1951)
By Bing Crosby & Jane Wyman (Decca/Universal: 1951) US #11 Pop
By Frankie Laine & Jo Stafford (Columbia/Sony: 1951) US #17 Pop
Other versions incl: Perry Como (RCA/Sony), Henry Mancini & His Orchestra (RCA/Sony), Frank Sinatra (Reprise/WMG), Dean Martin (Capitol/EMI), Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire (United Artists/EMI), Art Lund (MGM/Universal), Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme (Columbia), Bette Midler (Columbia/Sony)
JUBILEE (Hoagy Carmichael/Stanley Adams)
Performed by Mae West in her movie “Every Day’s A Holiday” (Paramount: 1937)
Versions incl: Harry James & His Orchestra/Vocal Helen Humes (Columbia/Sony), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
THE NEARNESS OF YOU (Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington)
Featured in the movie “Romance In The Dark” (Paramount: 1938) starring Gladys Swarthout, John Boles and John Barrymore.
“It isn’t your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation
Oh no, it’s just the nearness of you”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1940) US #5 Pop By Bob Manning (Capitol/EMI: 1953) US #16 Pop
Other versions incl: Barbra Streisand (Columbia/Sony),
Frank Sinatra (Capitol/EMI), The Platters (Mercury/Universal), Matt Monro (Liberty/EMI), Chris Connor (Fantasy/Concord), Willie Nelson (Blue Note/EMI), Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal), Dr. John (Clean Cuts), Rod Stewart (J/Sony), Nancy Wilson (Capitol/EMI), Steve Tyrell (Columbia/Sony), Al Jarreau (GRP/Universal), Chris Botti (Sony), Mel Torme (Verve/Universal), Paul Anka (RCA/Sony), Boots Randolph (Monument/Sony), Sarah Vaughan (Columbia/Sony), Helen Merrill (EmArcy/Universal), Shirley Bassey (UK Columbia/EMI), Dinah Shore (Bluebird/Sony), Bill Doggett (King/Gusto), Norah Jones (Blue Note/EMI), Ricky Nelson (Decca/Universal), George Shearing Quintet (Capitol/EMI), The Three Sounds (Blue Note/EMI), Dick Haymes (Capitol/EMI)
THE OLD MUSIC MASTER (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer)
Performed by Dick Powell in the film “True To Life” (Paramount: 1943) in which he starred with Mary Martin & Franchot Tone.
By Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra/Vocals: Johnny Mercer & Jack Teagarden (Capitol/EMI: 1943) US #19 Pop
SMALL FRY (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Performed by Bing Crosby, Fred MacMurray & Donald O’Connor in the movie
“Sing You Sinners” (Paramount: 1938)
By Bing Crosby & Johnny Mercer (Decca/Universal: 1938) US #3 Pop
By Mildred Bailey (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Crystal Gayle (Intersound), Matt Monro (UK Parlophone/EMI), June Christy (Capitol/EMI)
TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
“Here we are, out of cigarettes,
Holding hands and yawning,
Look how late it gets.
Two Sleepy People by dawn's early light,
And too much in love to say goodnight”.
Performed by Bob Hope & Shirley Ross in the movie “Thanks For The Memory” (Paramount: 1938)
By Fats Waller (Bluebird/Sony: 1938) US #1 Pop
By Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra/Vocal: Charlie Wilson (Victor/Sony: 1938) US #6 Pop
By Kay Kyser & His Orchestra/Vocals: Ginny Simms & Harry Babbitt (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #7 Pop
By Bob Crosby & His Orchestra/Vocals: Bob Crosby & Marion Mann (Decca/Universal: 1938) US #11 Pop
By Hoagy Carmichael & Ella Logan (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #13 Pop
By Lawrence Welk & His Orchestra/Vocal: Walter Bloom (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #13 Pop
By Bob Hope & Shirley Ross (Decca/Universal: 1939) US #15 Pop
Other versions incl: Hoagy Carmichael (Pacific Jazz/EMI), Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme (United Artists), Carmen McRae & Sammy Davis Jr. (Decca/Universal), Dean Martin & Line Renaud (Capitol/EMI), Julie London (Liberty/EMI), Art Garfunkel (Columbia/Sony), Crystal Gayle (Intersound), Phil Moody Quintet (Somerset), Phillip & Vanessa (Anchor), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
VAGABOND DREAMS (Hoagy Carmichael/Jack Lawrence)
“Vagabond dreams steal into my heart
And speak to me of love once more
Then take me far on a drifting star
To some romantic shore”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1940) US #16 Pop
Other versions incl: Gene Krupa & His Orchestra/Vocal: Irene Day (Columbia/Sony), Benny Carter & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Felton (Vocalion/Sony) plus a 1940 radio aircheck by Ella Fitzgerald on Masters Of Jazz.
WE’RE THE COUPLE IN THE CASTLE (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Sung by Kenny Gardner on the soundtrack of Dave Fleischer’s feature length cartoon “Mr. Bug Goes To Town” also known as “Hoppity Goes To Town” (Paramount: 1941)
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1942) US #24 Pop
Other versions incl: Claude Thornhill & His Orchestra/Vocal: Dick Harding (Columbia/Sony)
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FRANK LOESSER (1910-1969)
June 29th will mark the 100th Anniversary of this legendary songwriter.
In addition to “College Swing”, “Heart And Soul”, “Small Fry”, “Two Sleepy People” & “We’re The Couple In The Castle” in the above list, Sony/ATV also publish various other Loesser favorites including I DON’T WANT TO WALK WITHOUT YOU, JINGLE JANGLE JINGLE, PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, I WISH I DIDN’T LOVE YOU SO, SAYS MY HEART, DOLORES and THE LADY’S IN LOVE WITH YOU.
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NOVELTY SONGS
Novelty songs come in all shapes, sizes and configurations! Bearing in mind how many commercials are humorous, you might consider adapting some of our novelty songs for upcoming advertising campaigns.
Remember for instance that many of the best songs that Leiber & Stoller created for The Coasters are full of great fun lyrics; for example, “Along Came Jones” spoofed westerns on TV and “Charlie Brown” was full of zany antics set in a schoolroom.
Our list below also includes some wonderful parodies of famous songs including some of ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s wacky retreads! And you’ll also discover some country parodies by both Ben Colder – (the alias used by singer & actor Sheb Wooley) and Homer & Jethro - the duo who sold many records over the years for RCA.
So here’s the list:
AHAB THE ARAB (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1962) US #5 Pop
AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW WINE SIPS AWAY (Nelson)
Parody of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1968)
ALONG CAME JONES (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #9 Pop, #14 R&B
AND THAT’S A SHAME (Rule/Stevens)
By Soupy Sales (Reprise/WMG: 1963)
APE CALL (Drake)
By Nervous Norvus (Dot/Universal: 1956) US #24 Pop
THE AUCTIONEER (Black/Van Dyke)
By Leroy Van Dyke (Dot/Universal: 1956)
BREAD AND BUTTER (Parks/Turnbow)
By The Newbeats (Hickory/Sony-ATV: 1964) US #2 Pop, UK #15
CHARLIE BROWN (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #2 Pop, #2 R&B, UK #6
CHUG-A-LUG (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #3 Country, #9 Pop
COCKTAILS FOR TWO (Johnston/Coslow)
By Spike Jones & His City Slickers (RCA/Sony: 1945) US #4 Pop
COLD, COLD HEART NO. 2 (Williams)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
DANG ME (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #1 Country, #7 Pop
DELAWARE (Irving Gordon)
By Perry Como (RCA/Sony: 1960) US #22 Pop, UK #3
D-I-V-O-R-C-E (Putman Jr./Braddock/Wooley)
Parody of Tammy Wynette’s #1 country smash “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1968)
DO-WACKA-DO (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #31 Pop (in ’65)
DON’T LET THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYEBALLS (Willet/Burns/Haynes)
Parody of Red Foley & Perry Como’s hit “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU (Kalmar/Ruby)
By The Marx Brothers in the 1932 movie “Horse Feathers”.
FELICIA NO CAPICIA (Hoffman/Drake/Livingston)
By Louis Prima (Capitol/EMI: 1958)
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE LUNCH (Hazard)
Parody of Cyndi Lauper’s hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”
By ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Rock ‘n’ Roll)
HARRY THE HAIRY APE (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #17 Pop
HEARTBREAK HOTEL (Axton/Durden/Presley)
By Stan Freberg (Capitol/EMI: 1956) US #79 Pop, UK #24
HART BRAKE MOTEL (Axton/Durden/Presley)
Country parody of Elvis’s “Heartbreak Hotel”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
HELLO WALL No.2 (Nelson/Wooley)
Parody of the Willie Nelson song “Hello Walls”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1963) US #30 Country
HIS ROCKING HORSE RAN AWAY (Burke/Van Heusen)
By Betty Hutton (Capitol/EMI: 1944) US #7 Pop
HOUN’ DAWG (Leiber/Stoller)
Country parody of Elvis Presley’s hit “Hound Dog”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
HUNTING TIGERS OUT IN INDIAH (Hargreaves/Damerell/Evans)
By The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (Liberty/EMI: 1969)
I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND (Lennon/McCartney)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony: 1964)
I’M AGAINST IT (Kalmar/Ruby)
By Groucho Marx in the 1932 movie “Horse Feathers”
JAM-BOWL-LIAR (Williams)
Parody of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
JEREMIAH PEABODY’S POLY UNSATURATED QUICK DISSOLVING FAST-ACTING PLEASANT TASTING GREEN AND PURPLE PILLS (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1961) US #35 Pop
KING OF THE CAMP (Miller)
Parody of Roger Miller’s classic “King Of The Road”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
LIKE A SURGEON (Steinberg/Kelly/Yankovic)
Parody of Madonna’s hit “Like A Virgin”
By ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Rock ‘n’ Roll: 1985) US #47 Pop
MR. PAGANINI Aka (IF YOU CAN’T SING IT) YOU’LL HAVE TO SWING IT (Coslow)
By Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal: 1959)
MY GIRL BILL (Stafford)
By Jim Stafford (MGM/Universal: 1974) US #12 Pop
MONSTER’S HOLIDAY (Owens)
By Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett & The Crypt Kickers (Garpax: 1962) US #30 Pop
POISON IVY (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #7 Pop, #1 R&B, UK #15
ROOSTER (Richards/Cornell)
By The Ravens (National/Denon: 1948)
ROSIE’S GARDEN (South)
Parody of Lynn Anderson’s hit “Rose Garden”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1971)
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Robins (Spark/Atco: 1955)
SPEEDY GONZALES (Kaye/Hess/Lee)
By Pat Boone (Dot/Universal: 1962) US #6 Pop, UK #2
and by Soupy Sales (ABC/Universal: 1965)
SPIDERS AND SNAKES (Stafford/Bellamy)
By Jim Stafford (MGM/Universal: 1973) US #3 Pop (in ’74), UK #14
TENNESSEE WALTZ (King/Stewart)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
YAKETY YAK (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1958) US #1 Pop, #1 R&B, UK #12
YELLOW SUBMARINE (Lennon/McCartney)
By Milton Berle (UMC: 1973)
YOU CAN’T ROLLER SKATE IN A BUFFALO HERD (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1966) US #40 Pop
YOU’RE A DOITY DOG
Parody of HOUND DOG (Leiber/Stoller)
By Mickey Katz & His Orchestra (Capitol/EMI)
Click Here For Associated Playlist
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US chart positions courtesy of Joel Whitburn & Billboard Magazine
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Here is a link to a complete list of earlier “Musical Notes” bulletins:
Musical Notes Archive
4/10
May 11, 2010
A fortnightly newsletter highlighting some of the many classic songs in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalog.
From Alan Warner, Creative Consultant
***************
Songs by Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981) was one of the great American songwriters. Among his most famous ballads are “Stardust” and “Georgia On My Mind” which are controlled by other publishers but through his work with Paramount Pictures, Sony/ATV’s library of classic songs includes four of Hoagy’s finest:
THE NEARNESS OF YOU, IN THE COOL COOL COOL OF THE EVENING, HEART AND SOUL and TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE.
THE NEARNESS OF YOU is simply one of the most exquisite love songs of all time. To Hoagy’s wistful melody, Ned Washington’s superb lyric famously begins
“It's not the pale moon that excites me,
That thrills and delights me,
Oh no, it’s just the nearness of you”.
IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING is a fun uptempo song which won the Best Song Oscar © of 1952.
HEART AND SOUL is not only a great ballad but also became a doo-wop classic after The Cleftones cut it in 1961; their version was heard on the soundtrack of “American Graffiti” twelve years later.
Finally, TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE is an outstanding song which is perfect as a duet but also works equally effectively as a solo ballad.
Here’s an alphabetical guide to 13 of Sony/ATV’s Hoagy Carmichael works:
APRIL IN MY HEART (Hoagy Carmichael/Helen Meinardi)
Performed by Olympe Brandna in the film “Say It In French” (Paramount: 1938) starring Ray Milland
Versions incl: Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra with Billie Holiday (Brunswick/Sony: 1938)
BLUE ORCHIDS*(Hoagy Carmichael)
“I saw my two Blue Orchids, my beautiful blue orchids
Last night and what a sweet surprise
When you looked at me, it was plain to see
Blue orchids only bloom in your eyes”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1939) US #1 Pop
By Benny Goodman & His Orchestra/Vocal: Louise Tobin (Columbia/Sony: 1939) US #7 Pop
By Bob Crosby & His Orchestra/Vocal: Teddy Grace (Decca/Universal: 1939) US #8 Pop
Other versions incl: Matt Monro (UK Parlophone/EMI), Sarah Vaughan (Mercury/Universal)
*Controlled by Sony/ATV ex-USA
COLLEGE SWING (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Performed by Martha Raye, Betty Grable & Skinnay Ennis in the film “College Swing” (Paramount: 1938) which starred George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bob Hope & Martha Raye.
Versions incl: Bob Crosby & His Orchestra (1938 aircheck on World), Roy Fox & His Orchestra/Vocal: Mary Lee (1938 recording on Halcyon)
HEART AND SOUL (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Introduced in the 1938 Paramount short film “A Song Is Born”
“Heart and Soul, I fell in love with you,
Heart and soul, the way a fool would do,
Madly...
Because you held me tight and stole a kiss in the night”.
By Larry Clinton & His Orchestra/Vocal: Bea Wain (Victor/Sony: 1938) US #1 Pop
By Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra/Vocal: Stanley Worth (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #12 Pop
By Al Donohue & His Orchestra/Vocal: Paula Kelly (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #16 Pop
By The Four Aces Featuring Al Alberts (Decca/Universal: 1952) US #11 Pop
By Johnny Maddox (Dot/Universal: 1956) US #57 Pop
By The Cleftones (Gee/Rhino/WMG: 1961) US #10 R&B, #18 Pop
By Jan & Dean (Challenge: 1961) US #25 Pop, UK #24
By The Incredibles (Audio Arts: 1967) US #45 R&B
Other versions incl: Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal), Dean Martin (EMI), Dave Brubeck Trio (Fantasy/Concord), Sue Raney (Capitol/EMI), George Shearing (Concord Jazz), The Four Preps (Capitol/EMI), Irene Reid (MGM/Universal), Mel Torme (Capitol/EMI), Betty Carter (Atlantic/WMG), The Ralph Sharon Sextet (UK Melodisc), Ella Mae Morse (Capitol/EMI), Joe Williams & George Shearing (Sheba/Koch), Floyd Cramer (RCA/Sony), Crystal Gayle (Intersound), The Spaniels (Vee-Jay), Dick Hyman (Command/Universal), Mark Murphy (Capitol/EMI), Modern Jazz Quartet (Savoy), Dave Koz (MCA), Milt Jackson Quartet (Hi-Lo)
I GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU VERY WELL*(Hoagy Carmichael)
Aka I GET ALONG WITHOUT YOU VERY WELL (Except Sometimes)
Performed by Jane Russell & Hoagy Carmichael in the movie “The Las Vegas Story” (RKO: 1952)
“I get along without you very well,
Of course I do,
Except when soft rains fall
And drip from leaves, then I recall
The thrill of being sheltered in your arms.
Of course I do,
But I get along without you very well”
By Red Norvo & His Orchestra/Vocal: Terry Allen
(Vocalion/Sony: 1939) US #3 Pop
By Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra/Vocal: Bob Eberly
(Decca/Universal: 1939) US #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Carly Simon (Warner Bros/WMG), Frank Sinatra (Capitol/EMI), Peggy Lee (Capitol/EMI), Linda Ronstadt (Asylum/WMG), Nina Simone (RCA/Sony), June Christy (Capitol/EMI), Petula Clark (UK Pye),
Matt Monro (Capitol/EMI), Rosemary Clooney (Reprise/WMG), Dinah Shore (Columbia/Sony), Stan Kenton & His Orchestra (Capitol/EMI), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
*Controlled by Sony/ATV ex-USA.
IN THE COOL, COOL, COOL OF THE EVENING (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer)
“In the cool, cool, cool of the evening
Tell ‘em I’ll be there.
In the cool, cool, cool of the evening
Better save a chair.”
Performed by Bing Crosby & Jane Wyman in the film “Here Comes The Groom” (Paramount: 1951)
By Bing Crosby & Jane Wyman (Decca/Universal: 1951) US #11 Pop
By Frankie Laine & Jo Stafford (Columbia/Sony: 1951) US #17 Pop
Other versions incl: Perry Como (RCA/Sony), Henry Mancini & His Orchestra (RCA/Sony), Frank Sinatra (Reprise/WMG), Dean Martin (Capitol/EMI), Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire (United Artists/EMI), Art Lund (MGM/Universal), Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme (Columbia), Bette Midler (Columbia/Sony)
JUBILEE (Hoagy Carmichael/Stanley Adams)
Performed by Mae West in her movie “Every Day’s A Holiday” (Paramount: 1937)
Versions incl: Harry James & His Orchestra/Vocal Helen Humes (Columbia/Sony), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
THE NEARNESS OF YOU (Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington)
Featured in the movie “Romance In The Dark” (Paramount: 1938) starring Gladys Swarthout, John Boles and John Barrymore.
“It isn’t your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation
Oh no, it’s just the nearness of you”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1940) US #5 Pop By Bob Manning (Capitol/EMI: 1953) US #16 Pop
Other versions incl: Barbra Streisand (Columbia/Sony),
Frank Sinatra (Capitol/EMI), The Platters (Mercury/Universal), Matt Monro (Liberty/EMI), Chris Connor (Fantasy/Concord), Willie Nelson (Blue Note/EMI), Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal), Dr. John (Clean Cuts), Rod Stewart (J/Sony), Nancy Wilson (Capitol/EMI), Steve Tyrell (Columbia/Sony), Al Jarreau (GRP/Universal), Chris Botti (Sony), Mel Torme (Verve/Universal), Paul Anka (RCA/Sony), Boots Randolph (Monument/Sony), Sarah Vaughan (Columbia/Sony), Helen Merrill (EmArcy/Universal), Shirley Bassey (UK Columbia/EMI), Dinah Shore (Bluebird/Sony), Bill Doggett (King/Gusto), Norah Jones (Blue Note/EMI), Ricky Nelson (Decca/Universal), George Shearing Quintet (Capitol/EMI), The Three Sounds (Blue Note/EMI), Dick Haymes (Capitol/EMI)
THE OLD MUSIC MASTER (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer)
Performed by Dick Powell in the film “True To Life” (Paramount: 1943) in which he starred with Mary Martin & Franchot Tone.
By Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra/Vocals: Johnny Mercer & Jack Teagarden (Capitol/EMI: 1943) US #19 Pop
SMALL FRY (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Performed by Bing Crosby, Fred MacMurray & Donald O’Connor in the movie
“Sing You Sinners” (Paramount: 1938)
By Bing Crosby & Johnny Mercer (Decca/Universal: 1938) US #3 Pop
By Mildred Bailey (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #9 Pop
Other versions incl: Crystal Gayle (Intersound), Matt Monro (UK Parlophone/EMI), June Christy (Capitol/EMI)
TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
“Here we are, out of cigarettes,
Holding hands and yawning,
Look how late it gets.
Two Sleepy People by dawn's early light,
And too much in love to say goodnight”.
Performed by Bob Hope & Shirley Ross in the movie “Thanks For The Memory” (Paramount: 1938)
By Fats Waller (Bluebird/Sony: 1938) US #1 Pop
By Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra/Vocal: Charlie Wilson (Victor/Sony: 1938) US #6 Pop
By Kay Kyser & His Orchestra/Vocals: Ginny Simms & Harry Babbitt (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #7 Pop
By Bob Crosby & His Orchestra/Vocals: Bob Crosby & Marion Mann (Decca/Universal: 1938) US #11 Pop
By Hoagy Carmichael & Ella Logan (Brunswick/Sony: 1938) US #13 Pop
By Lawrence Welk & His Orchestra/Vocal: Walter Bloom (Vocalion/Sony: 1938) US #13 Pop
By Bob Hope & Shirley Ross (Decca/Universal: 1939) US #15 Pop
Other versions incl: Hoagy Carmichael (Pacific Jazz/EMI), Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme (United Artists), Carmen McRae & Sammy Davis Jr. (Decca/Universal), Dean Martin & Line Renaud (Capitol/EMI), Julie London (Liberty/EMI), Art Garfunkel (Columbia/Sony), Crystal Gayle (Intersound), Phil Moody Quintet (Somerset), Phillip & Vanessa (Anchor), Bill Charlap (Blue Note/EMI)
VAGABOND DREAMS (Hoagy Carmichael/Jack Lawrence)
“Vagabond dreams steal into my heart
And speak to me of love once more
Then take me far on a drifting star
To some romantic shore”
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1940) US #16 Pop
Other versions incl: Gene Krupa & His Orchestra/Vocal: Irene Day (Columbia/Sony), Benny Carter & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Felton (Vocalion/Sony) plus a 1940 radio aircheck by Ella Fitzgerald on Masters Of Jazz.
WE’RE THE COUPLE IN THE CASTLE (Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser)
Sung by Kenny Gardner on the soundtrack of Dave Fleischer’s feature length cartoon “Mr. Bug Goes To Town” also known as “Hoppity Goes To Town” (Paramount: 1941)
By Glenn Miller & His Orchestra/Vocal: Ray Eberle (Bluebird/Sony: 1942) US #24 Pop
Other versions incl: Claude Thornhill & His Orchestra/Vocal: Dick Harding (Columbia/Sony)
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FRANK LOESSER (1910-1969)
June 29th will mark the 100th Anniversary of this legendary songwriter.
In addition to “College Swing”, “Heart And Soul”, “Small Fry”, “Two Sleepy People” & “We’re The Couple In The Castle” in the above list, Sony/ATV also publish various other Loesser favorites including I DON’T WANT TO WALK WITHOUT YOU, JINGLE JANGLE JINGLE, PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION, I WISH I DIDN’T LOVE YOU SO, SAYS MY HEART, DOLORES and THE LADY’S IN LOVE WITH YOU.
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NOVELTY SONGS
Novelty songs come in all shapes, sizes and configurations! Bearing in mind how many commercials are humorous, you might consider adapting some of our novelty songs for upcoming advertising campaigns.
Remember for instance that many of the best songs that Leiber & Stoller created for The Coasters are full of great fun lyrics; for example, “Along Came Jones” spoofed westerns on TV and “Charlie Brown” was full of zany antics set in a schoolroom.
Our list below also includes some wonderful parodies of famous songs including some of ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic’s wacky retreads! And you’ll also discover some country parodies by both Ben Colder – (the alias used by singer & actor Sheb Wooley) and Homer & Jethro - the duo who sold many records over the years for RCA.
So here’s the list:
AHAB THE ARAB (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1962) US #5 Pop
AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW WINE SIPS AWAY (Nelson)
Parody of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1968)
ALONG CAME JONES (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #9 Pop, #14 R&B
AND THAT’S A SHAME (Rule/Stevens)
By Soupy Sales (Reprise/WMG: 1963)
APE CALL (Drake)
By Nervous Norvus (Dot/Universal: 1956) US #24 Pop
THE AUCTIONEER (Black/Van Dyke)
By Leroy Van Dyke (Dot/Universal: 1956)
BREAD AND BUTTER (Parks/Turnbow)
By The Newbeats (Hickory/Sony-ATV: 1964) US #2 Pop, UK #15
CHARLIE BROWN (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #2 Pop, #2 R&B, UK #6
CHUG-A-LUG (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #3 Country, #9 Pop
COCKTAILS FOR TWO (Johnston/Coslow)
By Spike Jones & His City Slickers (RCA/Sony: 1945) US #4 Pop
COLD, COLD HEART NO. 2 (Williams)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
DANG ME (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #1 Country, #7 Pop
DELAWARE (Irving Gordon)
By Perry Como (RCA/Sony: 1960) US #22 Pop, UK #3
D-I-V-O-R-C-E (Putman Jr./Braddock/Wooley)
Parody of Tammy Wynette’s #1 country smash “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1968)
DO-WACKA-DO (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1964) US #31 Pop (in ’65)
DON’T LET THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYEBALLS (Willet/Burns/Haynes)
Parody of Red Foley & Perry Como’s hit “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU (Kalmar/Ruby)
By The Marx Brothers in the 1932 movie “Horse Feathers”.
FELICIA NO CAPICIA (Hoffman/Drake/Livingston)
By Louis Prima (Capitol/EMI: 1958)
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE LUNCH (Hazard)
Parody of Cyndi Lauper’s hit “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”
By ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Rock ‘n’ Roll)
HARRY THE HAIRY APE (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1963) US #17 Pop
HEARTBREAK HOTEL (Axton/Durden/Presley)
By Stan Freberg (Capitol/EMI: 1956) US #79 Pop, UK #24
HART BRAKE MOTEL (Axton/Durden/Presley)
Country parody of Elvis’s “Heartbreak Hotel”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
HELLO WALL No.2 (Nelson/Wooley)
Parody of the Willie Nelson song “Hello Walls”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1963) US #30 Country
HIS ROCKING HORSE RAN AWAY (Burke/Van Heusen)
By Betty Hutton (Capitol/EMI: 1944) US #7 Pop
HOUN’ DAWG (Leiber/Stoller)
Country parody of Elvis Presley’s hit “Hound Dog”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
HUNTING TIGERS OUT IN INDIAH (Hargreaves/Damerell/Evans)
By The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band (Liberty/EMI: 1969)
I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND (Lennon/McCartney)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony: 1964)
I’M AGAINST IT (Kalmar/Ruby)
By Groucho Marx in the 1932 movie “Horse Feathers”
JAM-BOWL-LIAR (Williams)
Parody of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
JEREMIAH PEABODY’S POLY UNSATURATED QUICK DISSOLVING FAST-ACTING PLEASANT TASTING GREEN AND PURPLE PILLS (Stevens)
By Ray Stevens (Mercury/Universal: 1961) US #35 Pop
KING OF THE CAMP (Miller)
Parody of Roger Miller’s classic “King Of The Road”
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
LIKE A SURGEON (Steinberg/Kelly/Yankovic)
Parody of Madonna’s hit “Like A Virgin”
By ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic (Rock ‘n’ Roll: 1985) US #47 Pop
MR. PAGANINI Aka (IF YOU CAN’T SING IT) YOU’LL HAVE TO SWING IT (Coslow)
By Ella Fitzgerald (Verve/Universal: 1959)
MY GIRL BILL (Stafford)
By Jim Stafford (MGM/Universal: 1974) US #12 Pop
MONSTER’S HOLIDAY (Owens)
By Bobby ‘Boris’ Pickett & The Crypt Kickers (Garpax: 1962) US #30 Pop
POISON IVY (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1959) US #7 Pop, #1 R&B, UK #15
ROOSTER (Richards/Cornell)
By The Ravens (National/Denon: 1948)
ROSIE’S GARDEN (South)
Parody of Lynn Anderson’s hit “Rose Garden”
By Ben Colder (MGM/Universal: 1971)
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Robins (Spark/Atco: 1955)
SPEEDY GONZALES (Kaye/Hess/Lee)
By Pat Boone (Dot/Universal: 1962) US #6 Pop, UK #2
and by Soupy Sales (ABC/Universal: 1965)
SPIDERS AND SNAKES (Stafford/Bellamy)
By Jim Stafford (MGM/Universal: 1973) US #3 Pop (in ’74), UK #14
TENNESSEE WALTZ (King/Stewart)
By Homer & Jethro (RCA/Sony)
YAKETY YAK (Leiber/Stoller)
By The Coasters (Atco/WMG: 1958) US #1 Pop, #1 R&B, UK #12
YELLOW SUBMARINE (Lennon/McCartney)
By Milton Berle (UMC: 1973)
YOU CAN’T ROLLER SKATE IN A BUFFALO HERD (Miller)
By Roger Miller (Smash/Universal: 1966) US #40 Pop
YOU’RE A DOITY DOG
Parody of HOUND DOG (Leiber/Stoller)
By Mickey Katz & His Orchestra (Capitol/EMI)
Click Here For Associated Playlist
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US chart positions courtesy of Joel Whitburn & Billboard Magazine
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Here is a link to a complete list of earlier “Musical Notes” bulletins:
Musical Notes Archive
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© 2007 Sony Corporation of America