Origin:

Introduced in the film Ziegfeld Girl.

Style:

Usually played straight or swung, or a combination of the two.

Form:

A-B-A-C (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Verse:

8 Bars

Virtually never included in performances, Tony Martin's 1941 recording from the original theatrical release is one of the only renditions to feature it.

Arrangements:

It is common to switch feels for different sections of the tune, however such arrangements are typically only used for the head and not for the solo sections. For instance, the A sections are often played straight  with the B and C sections swung.

Key:

Almost always performed in C Major.

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of the composition is mostly functional, and while there are some unexpected turns it is predominantly made up of II - V's. The main theme in the A sections begin with IMaj7 - bIIMaj7, and is followed by a II - V of bVI. The B section is also very predictable, beginning with a II - V of IV before a II - V of V. It then uses a chromatic II - V from below to precede the final II - V back to the tonic. The C section  remains mostly diatonic and features standard Great American Songbook fare. Chick Corea would use the changes as the basis for his composition "Chick's Tune".

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 300 times to date. It was first recorded by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra in 1941, and was recorded by Tony Martin the same year for the theatrical release in the movie Ziegfeld Girl.  The song was not widely played until the early 1950's, with recordings from Dave Brubeck and Stan Getz helping to demonstrate its potential in a jazz context. It would go on to be recorded by many of the leading  artists of the day, and it continues to be a popular standard.

JGC Top Picks:

Dexter Gordon, A Swingin' Affair, 1961

Oscar Peterson, Oscar Peterson In Russia, 1974

Lage Lund, Small Club, Big City, 2011