1920 Popular Music, Songs 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 sung 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 known 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 1940s during WW 2. The song, sung by The Andrew Sisters, had meaning for many who were waiting for the return of our 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.
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Top Artists and Songs of 1920
Chloe
I’ve Got My Captain Working For Me Now
Swanee
Tell Me
Wonderful Kid From Madrid
You Ain’t Heard Nothin Yet
Avalon
Hold Me
Tell Me Little Gypsy
The Love Nest
Dardanella, My Island of Golden Dreams, Afghanistan
The Moon Shines on the Moonshine
I’ll See You In Cuba
Cuban Moon
I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time
Pretty Kitty Kelly
That Old Irish Mother of Mine
Palesteena
You’d Be Surprised
Alice Blue Gown
Irene
Fala Meu Louro
Lonesome Little Raindrop
My Little Bimbo Down on Bamboo Isle
Oh! By Jingo! (Oh! By Gee, By Goosh, By Gun, By Juu),
Barefoot Trail
The Love Nest, Girl of My Dreams
Crazy Blues
It’s Right Here For You
You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down
St. Louis Blues
Sweet Mama (Papa’s Getting Mad)
Prohibition Blues, Without You
Anytime Anyday Anywhere
The Japanese Sandman
Wang Wang Blues
Whispering
When My Baby Smiles At Me
Rose of Washington Square
I Know Where The Flies Go In Summertime