April in Paris

Ella Fitzgerald

About April in Paris

"April in Paris" is a popular song composed by Vernon Duke with lyrics by Yip Harburg in 1932 for the Broadway musical Walk a Little Faster. The original 1933 hit was performed by Freddy Martin, and the 1952 remake (inspired by the movie of the same name) was by the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, whose version made the Cashbox Top 50. Composer Alec Wilder writes, "There are no two ways about it: this is a perfect theater song. If that sounds too reverent, then I'll reduce the praise to 'perfectly wonderful,' or else say that if it's not perfect, show me why it isn't. "Freddy Martin and Henry King had the earliest hits of this song, at the very end of 1933. It has been performed by many artists, including Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, Bill Evans, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Frank Sinatra, Mary Kaye Trio, Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Erroll Garner, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Benny Goodman, Dinah Shore, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Joni James, Blossom Dearie, Doris Day, Alex Chilton, Wynton Marsalis, Andy Williams, Michel Legrand, and Dawn Upshaw. Basie's 1955 recording is the most famous, and that particular performance was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this recording, trumpeter Thad Jones played his famous "Pop Goes the Weasel" solo, trombonist Benny Powell performed his much noted bridge, and Basie directs the band to play the short chorus "one more time" and then "one more once." 


Year:
2007
4:44
106 
#1

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I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never new my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom
Holiday tables under the trees
April in Paris, this is a feeling

That no one can ever reprise
I never knew the charm of spring
I never met it face to face
I never new my heart could sing
I never missed a warm embrace

Till April in Paris
Whom can I run to
What have you done to my heart

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Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three octaves (D♭3 to D♭6), she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. more »

11 fans

Written by: E. Y. HARBURG, VERNON DUKE

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Origin
"April in Paris" is an iconic song from the 1932 Broadway musical, "Walk A Little Faster."
Composer
This song is composed by Vernon Duke with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg.
Notable Perfomances
Over the years, "April in Paris" has been performed by numerous high-profile artists like Andy Williams, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Charlie Parker, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Freddy Martin, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan, and Shirley Bassey.
Frank Sinatra's Rendition
Frank Sinatra first recorded “April in Paris” for his album 'Sinatra Sings Great Songs From Great Britain' in 1962.
Louis Armstrong's Performance
Louis Armstrong has recorded the most famous jazz version of "April in Paris". His recording on the vocal version is particularly noted for his long ending cadenza.
Favourite Among Jazz Artists
"April in Paris" is incredibly popular among jazz musicians and has appeared on over 1,000 albums.
Gramophone Awards
Sarah Vaughan's rendition was awarded the Gramophone Award for best jazz vocal in 1956 for her interpretation of the song.
Ell Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Collaboration
The version of "April in Paris" performed by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is considered one of the best due to their unique chemistry.
Count Basie Orchestra Performance
The song was such a staple for Count Basie that his 1955, 1956, and 1957 albums each contain a version of the song.
Movie Inclusion
The song was included in the 1952 film "April in Paris", where it was performed by Doris Day.
Influences
"April in Paris" has been credited for influencing many subsequent songs and performances across different genres, adding richness and depth to the music landscape.
Popularity
The song’s timeless appeal endures, with regular performances and reinterpretations keeping it at the forefront of popular consciousness.
Instrumental Versions
Aside from vocal versions, several instrumental versions of "April in Paris" have also been recorded, notably by Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Charlie Parker.

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