1920 POP STANDARDS AND ARTISTS

1. Swanee - Al Jolson Al Jolson was known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" - the highest paid and most well-known actor/singer/comedian of the 1920s and 30s. Swannee was originally song by Al but was written by George Gershwin. Gershwin would go on to write many other popular songs that would come out of his Broadway successes with his brother Ira, most notably Porgy and Bess and Strike up the Band. 2. When My Baby Smiles At Me - Ted Lewis A bandleader, Ted was probably best know for his catchphrase: "Is EVERYBODY Happy?" Although originally recorded in 1920, the song became the title of a movie musical, in 1948 starring Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. Dailey would win an academy award for his starring role in the film. 3. Whispering - Paul Whiteman Whispering was recorded by Paul Whiteman and his orchestra and was written by John Schonberger and Vincent Rose. The song actually has lyrics but they were not used on the first recording. According to the Literature that was provided by Victor, the recording studio, the song used an instrument that sounded like a "boson's-pipe-slide-trombone-whistle." 4. I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time - Charles Harrison Like many songs from this era, 'Apple Blossom Time' originally came out in 1920, but made a comeback in the 1940's during WW 2. The song, sung by The Andrew Sisters, had meaning for many who were waiting for the return of out troops. Other songs in this category are I'll Be Seeing You, and I'll be Home for Christmas. 5. Tell Me, Little Gypsy - Art Hickman Originally sung by Art Hickman, 'Gypsy' was written by the immortal Irving Berlin. Berlin's first hit was Alexander's Rag Time Band. Mr. Berlin would go on to write music for more than half of the 20th century. Two of his most popular are Blue Skies and White Christmas. His influence is still felt today.

Top Artists and Songs of 1920 Al Jolson Chloe I've Got My Captain Working For Me Now Swanee Tell Me Wonderful Kid From Madrid You Ain't Heard Nothin Yet Art Hickman Avalon Hold Me Tell Me Little Gypsy The Love Nest Ben Selvin Dardanella My Island of Golden Dreams Afghanistan Bert Williams - In World War II, the United States ship SS Bert Williams was named in his honor. The Moon Shines on the Moonshine Billy Murray I'll See You In Cuba Carl Fenton Cuban Moon Charles Harrision I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time Pretty Kitty Kelly That Old Irish Mother of Mine Eddie Cantor - nicknamed "Banjo Eyes" because of his big, round eyes. He was the also the man who named the "March of Dimes" which initally battled polio. Palesteena You'd Be Surprised Edith Day -had a cocktail named after her - made with dry gin, grapefruit juice, sugar, and an egg white. Alice Blue Gown Irene Francisco Alves Fala Meu Louro Frank Crumit Lonesome Little Raindrop My Little Bimbo Down on Bamboo Isle Oh! By Jingo! (Oh! By Gee, By Goosh, By Gun, By Juu) John McCormac Barefoot Trail John Steel The Love Nest, Girl of My Dreams Mamie Smith - Mamie was the first African-American woman to be a 'million seller artist. After 'Crazy Blues" the recording companies started paying more attention to race records. Crazy Blues It's Right Here For You You Can't Keep A Good Man Down Marion Harris- Marion was the first popular white singer to sing jazz and bluessongs. St. Louis Blues Sweet Mama (Papa's Getting Mad) Nora Bayes - In 1917, George M. Cohan asked her to be the first to record his patriotic WW I son,Over There. Prohibition Blues Without You Paul Whiteman - Paul was (controversally) called The King of Jazz. DukeEllington believed he deserved the title, so there really shouldn't be a controversy. Antime Anyday Anywhere The Japanese Sandman Wang Wang Blues Whispering Ted Lewis and his Orchestra - Better known as Ted 'is Everybody Happy?'Lewis. When My Baby Smiles At Me The Kentucky Serenaders - The Pennsylvania band was originally called The Serenaders. "My Old Kentucky Home" was their theme song, and Kentucky kind of stuck with them. Rose of Washington Square Waller Williams I Know Where The Flies Go In Summertime