1946 Fred Astaire - Puttin' on the Ritz

From: Top Hat/Blue Skies Original Soundtracks; Year: 2004 (1946); Genre: Pop/Musical/Jazz

I'm again making another pick where a date concerning a song and the song pick number match.
Irving Berlin composed this song for over a decade and a half prior to this recording as part of the music in the film of the song's namesake; it was re-recorded and covered a few times as well before this rather famous version for another film was recorded. The earlier versions of the song had different lyrics; it was re-written by Irving Berlin to fit the new musical film: Blue Skies. Today most probably would recognize versions with the newer lyrics mostly because the original lyrical content was less racially sensitive.
This is one of those songs that has never really gone away; it has been covered countless times, even in recent years. The unique and rather catchy, offbeat syncopated singing, especially in verses, is probably one of the main reasons this song has remained so popular over the years.
One of the more famous covers that would be remembered by those who grew up in more recent decades would be the one by Taco back in '82, which can be found here on YouTube. Interestingly enough, you listen closely you can hear some other parts from a few other Irving Berlin songs within Taco's cover version.
Out of all of the recording and re-recordings Fred Astaire's is my personal favourite, especially when you add in his famous dance routine from the film.

Here is the full song and dance routine from Blue Skies with the song on YouTube.
Hear a version with the original lyrics on YouTube.



My song pick a year ago today: Puhdys - Wenn Traume Sterben

My song pick two years ago today: Jim Reeves - It's Nothin' to Me

My song pick three years ago today: Rush - Twilight Zone

My song pick four years ago today: The Firm - Radioactive

My song pick five years ago today: Ozzy Osbourne - Shot in the Dark