What Is This Thing Called Love?

Clifford Brown, Max Roach

About What Is This Thing Called Love?

"What Is This Thing Called Love?" is a 1929 popular song written by Cole Porter, for the musical Wake Up and Dream. It was first performed by Elsie Carlisle in March 1929. The song has become a popular jazz standard and one of Porter's most often played compositions. Wake Up and Dream ran for 263 shows in London. The show was also noticed in New York, and the critics praised Tilly Losch's performance of the song. The show was produced on Broadway in December 1929; in the American rendition, "What Is This Thing Called Love" was sung by Frances Shelley. Jazz musicians soon included the song in their repertoire. The recordings of Ben Bernie and Fred Rich (vocal by The Rollickers) made it to the charts in 1930, and the song was also recorded by stride pianist James P. Johnson, clarinetist Artie Shaw and guitarist Les Paul. The piece is usually performed at a fast tempo; the 1956 recording of Clifford Brown and Max Roach with Sonny Rollins is one of the best-known uptempo instrumental versions. Saxophonist Sidney Bechet made a slow rendition in 1941 with Charlie Shavers. The chord progression of the song forms the basis of several jazz compositions (contrafact), such as "Hot House" by Tadd Dameron. 


Year:
1956
7:33
105 
#1

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What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?

I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw it away
That's why I ask the Lord in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?

I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw it away
That's why I ask the Lord in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?

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Clifford Brown

Clifford Brown (October 30, 1930 – June 26, 1956), aka "Brownie," was an influential and highly rated American jazz trumpeter. He died aged 25, leaving behind only four years' worth of recordings. Nonetheless, he had a considerable influence on later jazz trumpet players, including Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Valery Ponomarev, Wynton Marsalis, and many others. He was also a composer of note: two of his compositions, "Joy Spring" and "Daahoud", have become jazz standards. more »

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Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Composer
"What Is This Thing Called Love?" is a popular song written by legendary American songwriter Cole Porter. It was created for the Broadway musical "Wake Up and Dream."
Early Recordings
The song was initially released in 1929 and was first performed on stage by Elsie Carlisle. Artists like Libby Holman and Leo Reisman and his Orchestra were among the first to record it.
Artie Shaw
Notable clarinetist and band leader, Artie Shaw, did a famous arrangement of this song, showcasing his unique, swing-style interpretation.
Les Paul
Known for his innovation in electric guitars and music technology, Les Paul performed a distinctive rendition of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" with his partner Mary Ford.
Charlie Shavers
The song is considered a jazz standard, with versions recorded by jazz virtuosos such as Charlie Shavers. His version is celebrated for his signature trumpet style and improvisatory skill.
Sidney Bechet
Renowned soprano saxophonist and clarinetist, Sidney Bechet, incorporated his distinctive New Orleans jazz style into his performances of the song.
Clifford Brown
Esteemed jazz trumpeter, Clifford Brown, was also known for his exceptional recording of "What is This Thing Called Love?" His version is lauded for its emotive delivery and technical mastery.
Max Roach
Renowned drummer Max Roach performed this piece in collaboration with Clifford Brown in 1954, providing a great example of the execution of complex bop drumming techniques.
Sonny Rollins
Prominent jazz saxophonist, Sonny Rollins, is celebrated for his version of this song, allowing his improvisatory skill to flourish within the boundaries of the familiar melody.
Song's Influence
The song remains very popular and continues to be covered by many artists across different genres. It is widely considered a classic piece within the Great American Songbook.
Notable Lyrics
The song is best known for its distinctive, rhetorical question chorus, "What is this thing called love? This funny thing called love? Just who can solve its mystery? Why should it make a fool of me?"

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