Alice Blue Gown

Frank Sinatra

About Alice Blue Gown

Alice Blue Gown is a popular song written by Joseph McCarthy and Harry Tierney. The song, which was inspired by Alice Roosevelt Longworth's signature gown, was first performed by Edith Day in the 1919 Broadway musical Irene. In 1920 the song was recorded and released. Artists who have recorded the song include Duke Ellington, Martha Wainwright, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Glenn Miller, Wayne King, Frank Sinatra, Chet Atkins and Lenny Breau. The song is about Irene's favourite dress which she wore until it was worn out, and begins: I once had a gown it was almost new Oh, the daintiest thing, it was sweet Alice Blue


Year:
1964
2:43
94 

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In her sweet little Alice blue gown
When she first wandered down into town
She was both proud and shy as she felt every eye
And in every shop window she primp, passing by

Then in manner of fashion, she'd frown
And the world seemed to smile all around
Till it wilted she wore it, she'll always adore it
Her sweet little Alice blue gown

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Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra, /sɨˈnɑːtrə/, (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer and film actor of Italian origin. more »

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14 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Alice Blue Gown" is actually a song from the Broadway musical "Irene" that premiered in 1919.
Artist Performance
It was later covered by both Frank Sinatra and Canadian folk music duo Kate & Anna McGarrigle in their separate careers.
Musical Style
Sinatra's version of the song, released in 1962, falls under the big band and traditional pop genre.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics of "Alice Blue Gown" were inspired by Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. She often wore blue, inducing the fashion trend called 'Alice Blue'.
Composer and Lyricist
The original song was composed by Harry Tierney and the lyrics were written by Joseph McCarthy.
Historical Fashion
The song led to the popularity of a shade of blue called Alice Blue, named after Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
Frank Sinatra’s Cover
Sinatra covered the song in his album "Sinatra and Strings", which was one of his first albums produced by Reprise Records.
Kate and Anna McGarrigle Version
The McGarrigle sisters covered "Alice Blue Gown" in their fourth album, "Pronto Monto" in 1978.
Comparing Versions
While Sinatra's version stays true to his signature Big Band style, the McGarrigle sisters took a more folk-inspired approach to the song.
Chart Performance
Frank Sinatra’s cover didn’t made it to the Billboard charts. However, the original song in 1920 was incredibly successful, holding a place on the pop charts for 18 weeks.
Song Influence
The song "Alice Blue Gown" success had a cultural impact. It's credited with making the color Alice Blue a fashionable shade among US women in the 1920s.
Reprise Records
"Alice Blue Gown" was among the songs Frank Sinatra covered in his early years setting up Reprise Records which he founded aiming to grant artists more creative freedom.
Time Signature
"Alice Blue Gown" is a waltz, distinguishing it with a 3/4 time signature, that sets it apart from many pop songs that are rendered in 4/4 time.
Broadway Success
Overall, "Alice Blue Gown" remains as one of the most recognized songs from the Broadway musical "Irene", which was initially ran for more than 600 performances and is considered an early 20th century classic.

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