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