'' Songs from Mr. Music '' is a
Decca Records (catalog number A-790) studio 78rpm album of
phonograph records by
Bing Crosby,
The Andrews Sisters
The Andrews Sisters were an American close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews (July 6, 1911 – May 8, 1967), soprano Maxene Anglyn Andrews (January ...
and
Dorothy Kirsten
Dorothy Kirsten (July 6, 1910, Montclair, New Jersey – November 18, 1992, Los Angeles, California) was an American operatic soprano.
Biography
Kirsten's mother was an organist and music teacher, her grandfather was a conductor, and her great-a ...
of songs from the film ''
Mr. Music
''Mr. Music'' is a 1950 film starring Bing Crosby and Nancy Olson, directed by Richard Haydn, and released by Paramount Pictures. It is based on the play '' Accent on Youth'' written by Samson Raphaelson. Filming took place from October to Dece ...
''.
Background
In the film, Crosby sang one version of "Life Is So Peculiar" with
Peggy Lee but as she was contracted to
Capitol Records, that song and "High on the List" was recorded for Decca by Bing and The Andrews Sisters. Additionally, a song called "Milady" is heard in the background in the film, but Decca used Dorothy Kirsten to sing it with Crosby for the commercial release. The song "Wasn’t I There" which Crosby sings briefly in the movie was not recorded commercially. All the songs were written by
Jimmy Van Heusen (music) and
Johnny Burke (lyrics).
Reception
Variety
Variety may refer to:
Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats
* Variety (radio)
* Variety show, in theater and television
Films
* ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont
* ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...
commented on the album, "Seven numbers from the Paramount pic, "Mr. Music," scored by Johnny Burke and Van Heusen, are included in this strong Decca set. Crosby delivers them all, teaming up with Andrews Sisters on "High on the List." and "Life Is So Peculiar" and with Dorothy Kirsten on "Accidents Will Happen" and "Milady.""
Billboard reviewed some of the songs from ''Mr. Music'' when they were issued as singles, saying:
High on the List—Ballad from the coming "Mr. Music" flicker, a Crosby starrer, is done handsomely by Bing and the Andrews. Song’s values stack up for limited appeal.
Life Is So Peculiar—The philosophical rhythm tidbit from the Crosby flicker is handled with ease and beat by Bing and the sisters. It’s a good bid but it’s short of such a predecessor as "Swingin’ on a Star."
Accidents Will Happen—A classy ballad from Bing’s coming "Mr. Music" flicker is warbled richly by Crosby in his best crooning fashion.
And You’ll Be Home—Another high-grade "Mr. Music" ballad with a greater degree of commercial value is treated warmly by Bing and a vocal group. Disking should have added values when the flicker shows around Christmas.
The album itself charted briefly in the No. 10 position in Billboard’s best-selling popular albums list.
Track listing
These songs were featured on a four-disc, 78 rpm album set, Decca Album No. A-790. All music by
Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by
Johnny Burke.
Other releases
The album was also issued as a 10" vinyl LP in 1950 with the catalogue number DL 5284.
SIDE ONE
# "High on the List"
# "Life Is So Peculiar"
# "Accidents Will Happen" (solo)
# "And You’ll Be Home"
SIDE TWO
# "Wouldn’t It Be Funny"
# "Once More the Blue and White"
# "Accidents Will Happen" (with Dorothy Kirsten)
# "Milady" (with Dorothy Kirsten)
A 4-disc 45rpm album numbered 9-101 was also issued and it too charted briefly at No. 10 in the Billboard list of best-selling 45 rpm albums.
References
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Bing Crosby albums
Decca Records albums
1950 albums