Origin:

Introduced in the 1945 film Anchors Aweigh.

Style:

Almost always performed as a ballad.

Form:

A-B (16 Bars) [8-8]

Key:

Most commonly played in Eb Major.

Harmony/Overview:

The  harmony of this composition is very functional. Both the A and B sections are made up of predominantly II -V's, and neither strays far from the home key.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 350 times to date. It was first recorded in 1944 by Frank Sinatra, and he would also introduce it in the 1945 MGM film Anchors Aweigh. It went on to be recorded by many of the greats, with Chet Baker's rendition from Chet Baker Sings being an especially seminal recording. Miles Davis also recorded it on several occasions, and the tune would remain in his repertoire well  throughout his career.

JGC Top Picks:

Chet Baker, Chet Baker Sings, 1954

Jaki Byard, On the Spot, 1967

Herbie Hancock, Herbie Hancock Quartet, 1981