Moanin' Low is a popular torch song. The music was written by Ralph Rainger; the lyrics by Howard Dietz. The song was published in 1929 and was introduced that same year in the musical revue The Little Show by Libby Holman becoming a hit[1] and Holman's signature song. A recording by The Charleston Chasers (vocal by Eva Taylor) was also popular in 1929.[2]
Since its publication, the song has become a popular jazz standard.
Selected recordings
edit- Eva Taylor - recorded on June 28, 1929 for Columbia Records along with the song Ain't Misbehavin' from Connie’s Hot Chocolates on the opposite side (catalog No. 1891).[3]
- Annette Hanshaw - recorded on August 29, 1929 for OKeh Records (catalog No. 41292).[4]
- Billie Holiday recorded her version of the song on March 31, 1937 with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra for Brunswick Records (catalog No. 7877).[5]
- Lena Horne - recorded on December 17, 1941 for Victor Records (catalog No. 27817A).[6]
- Harry James recorded a version in 1951 (released in 1952) on Columbia 39678.[7]
- Ella Fitzgerald - recorded on December 31, 1953 for Decca Records (catalog No. 29475).[8]
- Dinah Shore - included in the album Bouquet of Blues (1956).[9]
- Johnny Mathis - for his album The Rhythms and Ballads of Broadway (1960)[10]
- Barbra Streisand recorded her version of the song in 1975 in her album Lazy Afternoon,[11] arranged and conducted by Rupert Holmes.
Film appearances
edit- In the Humphrey Bogart-Lauren Bacall film, Key Largo, Claire Trevor gave a memorable rendition of the song in a role that won her the 1948 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Annette Hanshaw's 1929 version was used in the animated film Sita Sings the Blues.
- In the 1950 Kirk Douglas-Lauren Bacall film, Young Man With A Horn, it appears repeatedly in instrumental form.
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 216. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
- ↑ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 81. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
- ↑ "The Charleston Chasers - Ain't Misbehavin / Moanin' Low". Discogs. 1930.
- ↑ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
- ↑ "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved February 22, 2025.
- ↑ "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved February 21, 2025.