[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

IRVING BERLIN

ON THE AVENUE

Fortunately for Irving, his contract with RKO was not exclusive. Darryl Zanuck at Fox got in touch with Irving in 1936 to write the songs for a musical starring Dick Powell and Alice Faye. Powell was still in his sweet guy singing phase. Later he would portray tough guys, work behind the camera as a director and work on TV. The plot is slight, but Irving was the real star of this musical. It was even billed as “Irving Berlin’s ‘On the Avenue’”.

DICK POWELL & ALICE FAYE: “I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM”

This is a sweet fox trot number, and Dick’s tenor voice is just right for it. Note the turn to the minor key in the middle eight section, a mark of Thirties songs. Alice joins for the last verse.

Dick Powell & Alice Faye: “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, Maestro! The 30's musicals, despite the disparagement they have received from some, stand as a high achievement of Western Civilization. The participants, of course, did not give that a moment's thought - they were having far too much fun.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."