Friday, 1 April 2022

[dcab-l] American Songbook: "Paper Moon"

Songwriters & Music Lovers:

 

"It's Only a Paper Moon" is a popular song published in 1933 with music by Harold

Arlen, lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose.  It was originally titled "If You Believed in

Me," but later was changed."  The song was written for an unsuccessful 1932 Broadway

play called The Great Magoo, set in Coney Island.  Claire Carleton first performed this

song on December 2, 1932.  It was used in the movie Take a Chance in 1933.  Paul

Whiteman recorded a hit version later that year.

 

The song's lasting fame stems from its revival by popular artists during the last years of

World War II, with hit recordings being made by Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and

Benny Goodman (vocal by Dottie Reid). It is now regarded as a jazz and pop standard,

and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years.

 

This version appeared on the CD called Karma Machine:

 

 

Rattlesnake Hill musicians:

 

John Previti            Bass

Ed Schaeffer          Vocal

Dan Cassidy          Fiddle

Paul Wingo            Guitar

Scott Taylor           Drums

 

To listen, click:  http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html

 

Ed

(As always, turn up and headphones preferred)

 

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