Week #5: What’ll I Do was written by Irving Berlin in 1924. The song seems to owe much of its success to having appeared in several films and television shows. The version Bea Arthur sings on The Golden Girls is really quite stunning (watch it here). I love the haunting beauty of the melody and chordal structure.
In 2002, the USPS issued a 37 cent stamp honoring Irving Berlin
Irving Berlin is widely regarded as one of the greatest song writers in American history. The prolific composer George Gershwin called him “the greatest songwriter that has ever lived.” He produced a staggering number of songs – it was apparently his habit to write one complete song each day – and many of them reached the top of the charts. Some notable hits include, Puttin’ On The Ritz, I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Blue Skies, Cheek to Cheek, and Alexander’s Ragtime Band. In addition, he scored several movies and wrote several broadway shows.
I’m sure I’ll return to Berlin at some point during this project. For now, I hope you enjoy my version of “What’ll I Do.”
The Year of Jazz 