1946 Popular Music, Songs and Artists

Perry Como

They Say It’s Wonderful
This romantic ballad is one of the standout songs from Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun (1946). Sung by Frank Butler as he expresses his newfound love for Annie Oakley, the song captures the magical feeling of falling in love. Perry Como’s warm baritone made his recording a favorite, solidifying it as an American standard.

Les Brown

I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning
Another hit from Annie Get Your Gun, I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning, is sung by Annie as she reflects on the simple joys of life. Les Brown’s lively big band version became a popular hit in 1946, showcasing the song’s infectious optimism.

Freddy Martin

Doin’ What Comes Naturally
This tongue-in-cheek number from Annie Get Your Gun humorously contrasts the sophisticated ways of the world with the more practical, natural skills of Annie and her backwoods family. Freddy Martin’s recording brought a jazzy, upbeat take to this playful tune, making it a standout on the charts.

Bing Crosby and The Jesters

McNamara’s Band
Written in 1945 by O’Connor and Stanford, McNamara’s Band tells the humorous tale of a small Irish band. Bing Crosby’s 1947 version with The Jesters added charm and wit, making it a perennial favorite among Irish Americans, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day.

Dixie Hummingbirds

Amazing Grace
One of the most performed hymns in history, Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in 1773. Once a slave trader, Newton experienced a spiritual awakening that led him to renounce his past and write the hymn as part of a sermon. The Dixie Hummingbirds’ gospel rendition added soulful harmonies, ensuring the song’s legacy in American music and beyond.

Eddie Howard

I Love You for Sentimental Reasons
This tender love song, written by William Best in 1945, became an enduring classic. Eddie Howard’s version brought the song to mainstream audiences, and its timeless appeal led to covers by artists like Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt, and Dean Martin.

Judy Garland

On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
This lively tune from the 1946 MGM musical The Harvey Girls captures the excitement of westward expansion. Written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Judy Garland led the vibrant production number as the women of the Harvey House arrived to take up their posts in the Wild West.

Nat King Cole

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66
Written by Bobby Troup in 1946, Route 66 became an instant classic with Nat King Cole’s smooth rendition. Inspired by Troup’s cross-country journey on the historic highway, the song namechecks iconic stops along the way. Numerous artists, including The Rolling Stones and Natalie Cole have covered it.

Johnny Mercer

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah
Featured in Disney’s Song of the South (1946), this upbeat tune won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Written by Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, it became a signature Disney song, performed by James Baskett as Uncle Remus. Despite the film’s controversy, Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah remains a beloved part of Disney’s musical legacy.

Vaughn Monroe

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1945, this festive song about staying cozy during a snowstorm became a winter standard. Vaughn Monroe’s version topped the charts in 1946 and remains one of the most popular renditions.

Frank Sinatra

Five Minutes More
Composed by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1946, Five Minutes More became a huge hit for Frank Sinatra. Its lighthearted lyrics, about wanting a little extra time with a loved one, made it a post-war favorite.

Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters

South America, Take It Away
This lively Latin-inspired tune was written by Harold Rome in 1946. Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters’ playful rendition, complete with catchy rhythms and witty lyrics, became a hit, reflecting the era’s fascination with South American culture.