Eva Cassidy’s Rendition of “Over the Rainbow”
Eva Cassidy's Rendition of "Over the Rainbow" is discussed at length in an essay about the late singer's affection for the song, part of the Eva Cassidy web site.
E.Y. “Yip” Harburg
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, an essay by Benjamin Sears, Harburg scholar and performer, 1999.
Applause
Applause (1929). Groundbreaking early talkie directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Helen Morgan; contains Yip's first film song, written with composer Jay Gorney, "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man?" One of the extra features of this DVD is Morgan's performance of the same song in another 1929 release, Glorifying the American Girl. … Continue Reading ››
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree
In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree (1930). Yip wrote light verse for an unknown number of Fleischer Brothers cartoons while under contract at Paramount's Astoria Long Island studios. This may be the first. Before the title song, a voice is heard reciting Yip's rhymed introduction as a white apple bounces against a black background. … Continue Reading ››
Radio Riot
Radio Riot (1930). To this cartoon Yip contributed "The Bed Time Story," which occurs at about one minute before the end. It is a satire of spooky Brothers Grimm fairy tales, spoken by an animated radio to a group of terrified mice. Not commercially available, but viewable on You Tube.
Roadhouse Nights
Roadhouse Nights (1930). Helen Morgan sings the Harburg-Gorney composition "It Can't Go on Like This." Jimmy Durante and ensemble also sing a couple of non-Harburg songs.
Prisoners Song
Prisoners Song (1930). A Fleischer Brothers animation in which prisoners recite Yip's verse "Down in Dear Sing Sing." Available from private collectors only.
A Million Me’s
A Million Me's (1930). The Yip Harburg-Jay Gorney song "What Wouldn't I Do for That Man?" got a lot of mileage. Lee Morse opens and closes this Paramount short with fragments of the song and sings it all the way through starting at around 6min 35sec. Not commercially available, but viewable on You Tube.
The Sap from Syracuse
The Sap from Syracuse (1930). Jack Oakie and Ginger Rogers sing "How I Wish I Could Sing a Love Song" (music by Johnny Green), the sole song in this light comedy. Some sources list two other Harburg songs ("Aw, What's the Use?" with Johnny Green and "Capitalize That Thing Called 'It'" with Green and Vernon Duke) … Continue Reading ››
Queen High
Queen High (1930). Two Harburg lyrics were interpolated into this adaptation of a stage play: "I Love a Girl in My Own Peculiar Way" (composer, Henry Souvaine; performed by Charles Ruggles) and "Brother, Just Laugh It Off" (composers, Arthur Schwartz, Ralph Rainger; performed at various points by Ginger Rogers and others; the music also serves as … Continue Reading ››