I'm Sitting on Top of the World
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (June 2017) |
| "I'm Sitting on Top of the World" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Published | 1925 |
| Genre | popular |
| Composer(s) | Ray Henderson |
| Lyricist(s) | Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young |
"I'm Sitting on Top of the World" is a popular song with music written by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young. It was published in 1925.
The song was most likely first recorded by Art Gillham (‘the Whispering Pianist’), who recorded ‘I'm Sitting on Top of the World’ on 24 October 1925. Al Jolson's recording was made on December 21, 1925.[1] Jolson sang it in the 1928 part-talkie film "The Singing Fool" and in his biographical movie The Jolson Story in 1946.
Popular recordings in 1926 were by Jolson, Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra, and by Frank Crumit.[2]
Notable cover versions
Notable interpretations have been recorded by these performers:[3]
- Bobby Darin
- Doris Day - for the album Cuttin' Capers (1959).[4]
- The Four Aces with the Jack Pleis Orchestra
- Aretha Franklin recorded the song for her album The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962).
- Dizzy Gillespie
- Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra
- Brenda Lee - included in her album Brenda, That's All (1962)
- Jerry Lewis
- Taj Mahal & Corey Harris
- Dean Martin - for his album Sittin' on Top of the World (1973)
- Les Paul and Mary Ford - reached no. 10 in the Billboard charts in 1953.[5]
- Carl Perkins
- Frank Sinatra
Additionally, the song "I'm On My Way" by The Proclaimers makes reference to the song, saying "I'd have Al Jolson sing 'I'm sittin' on top of the world'."
Appearances of the song
Jolson's recording (1926) was played:
- In the closing sequence of Richard Loncraine's film Richard III (1995).
- During the opening montage of 1930s New York City in the 2005 remake of King Kong.
- As part of the soundtrack of Woody Allen's film Zelig (1983).
References
- ^ Goldman, Herbert G. (1988). Jolson - The Legend Comes to Life. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 386. ISBN 0-19-506329-5.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 524. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
- ^ CarlinAmerica.com
- ^ "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 349. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
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