“Lullaby Of Broadway” – Dorsey Brothers’ Orchestra

2 Weeks at No. 1 (May 18, 1935)

Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey were some of the biggest hit-makers of the 1930’s and 1940’s with their orchestras and big bands. Releasing many melodies that seem to be forgotten these days, with less and less people actively listening to them.

Tommy and Jimmy will be reviewed more times as these digital years go by, both separately and together. But this time around, I’ll be giving a listen to their recording of “Lullaby of Broadway” featured in the movie “Gold Diggers of 1935”. A big musical number with Wini Shaw and Dick Powell about a baby that plays at night and sleeps all day. Even the director calls it his favorite number in the production.

I must agree, it is quite the enjoyable song. Once again, the jumping band with trumpets and piano really sell it. Though a bit formulaic of the time, there’s a reason it works and it works well. Bob Crosby sounds like brother Bing here and his vocals are not overly exaggerated like Bing’s seems to be sometimes. It’s a nice lilt through the song and never falls flat. Excellent tune!

Rating: 8/10