Songs with Earlier Histories Than the Hit Version

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Puttin’ on the Ritz

First performed (on Broadway) and recorded by Harry Richman (US #1 1930).
Other hit versions by Leo Reisman & His Orchestra (US #20 1930), Clark Gable (1939), Fred Astaire (1946), Ella Fitzgerald (1958), Taco (US #4/CAN #5/SWE #1/NZ #1 1983).

From the wiki: “‘Puttin’ On the Ritz’ is a popular song written and published in 1929 by Irving Berlin and first introduced by Harry Richman in the musical Puttin’ On the Ritz (1930). The expression was inspired by the opulent Ritz Hotel. Another hit version was recorded in 1930 by Leo Reisman & His Orchestra.

“Clark Gable performed the song on film (Idiot’s Delight) in 1939, but the song was most-famously performed (with new lyrics) by Fred Astaire, with whom the song is particularly associated, in the 1946 film Blue Skies. Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle teamed up in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (1974) to give the song a comedic spike.

“In 1983, Dutch singer Taco released a synthesized pop version of ‘Puttin’ On the Ritz’ as a single from the album After Eight. Taco’s video includes a tap dance solo to honor Astaire.”

Leroy Reisman & His Orchestra, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1930):

Clark Gable, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” from Idiot’s Delight (1939):

Fred Astaire, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” from Blue Skies (1946):

Ella Fitzgerald, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1958):

Gene Wilder & Peter Boyle, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” from Young Frankenstein (1974):

Taco, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” original video (1983):

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