This song received its first performance in Irving’s 1923 “Music Box Review,” and it was such a hit that he carried it over into his 1924 show. It’s one of his most recorded songs, and over the next evening you’ll understand why.
One rarely thinks of Walter Pidgeon as a singer, and this was his only solo recording. But aside from his work in many American movies, he worked in musicals from time to time, both in Hollywood and on Broadway. This 1924 electric recording from the UK was the first time this song was put on shellac. Walter treated it as though it were an art song by Franz Schubert or Roger Quilter, and it was a brilliant idea.
Tune in tomorrow night for more Irving Berlin and the Great American Songbook.