Fun Facts:
- Written by J. Frederick Coots (music) and Haven Gillespie (lyrics) in 1934.
- Coots brought it to his publisher, who didn’t think much of the song but thought it might sell to kids.
- First performed on Eddie Cantor’s NBC radio show in 1934, by the next morning 100,000 copies of sheet music had been ordered and 400,000 copies had sold by Christmas.
- First recorded by Harry Reser in 1934.
Featured Artist: Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra
- Dorsey was one of the great band leaders during the Big Band era (1930s – 1940s).
- Dorsey was known as a tough perfectionist who discovered and trained many great musicians including Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Jo Stafford, Carl “Doc” Severinsen, Axel Stordahl, and Nelson Riddle.
- On this recording, Cliff Weston and Eydth Wright share the vocals.
Notable Covers:
- Harry Reser, 1934
- George Hall & The Hotel Taft Orchestra, 1934
- Frank Sinatra, 1948
- Dave Brubeck, 1962
- Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, 1962
- The Crystals, 1963
- The Partridge Family, 1970
- Neil Diamond, 1992
- Mariah Carey, 1994
- Ray Charles, 1997
