Pete Kelly's Blues

June Christy, Pete Rugolo

About Pete Kelly's Blues

"Pete Kelly's Blues" is a popular song featured in the movie of the same name. The music was written by Ray Heindorf, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song was published in 1955. • Pete Kelly's Blues Columbia released 10 Jazz of the Roaring '20s songs from the 1955 Warner Bros. movie, plus the orchestral title track and an orchestral version of "I Never Knew." Both orchestral tracks were issued as a 45 rpm single on Columbia 40533. Orchestral recordings: Ray Heindorf directing the Warner Bros. Orchestra, Jazz recordings director: Matty Matlock. Cast: Matty Matlock; Dick Cathcart, Eddie Miller, Elmer Schneider, Nick Fatool, George Van Eps, Ray Sherman, Jud DeNaut (Columbia CL 690). • An album of studio recordings by Peggy Lee & Ella Fitzgerald was issued in 1955. Contractual issues prevented the singers from appearing on the Columbia album. (Decca DL 8166). • A soundtrack LP to the later TV series was issued in 1959 (Warner Bros W 1303). • A later studio recording of the songs in the film was issued in 1958 (RCA Victor LPM-2053). 


Year:
1955
2:57
132 
#2

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They're a sad thing,
They're a bad thing,
The blues,
When they threaten,
Just start bettin'
You'll lose.
You hide yourself
Behind a prayer,
The blues will come
And find you there.

I feel the blues,
They're called Pete Kelly's Blues,
Bad news!
There's no exit,
You can't drive away the blues.

If you're born with,
You will die with
The blues,
Think what you choose!
That happy dream is yours, they say,
If you can pay the dues.

That's why I'm stuck with,
Fresh out of luck with,
The blues,
Pete's Blues,
Pete Kelly's blues,
Pete Kelly's blues.

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June Christy

June Christy (November 20, 1925 – June 21, 1990), born Shirley Luster, was an American singer, known for her work in the cool jazz genre and for her silky smooth vocals. Her success as a singer began with The Stan Kenton Orchestra. She pursued a solo career from 1954 and is best known for her debut album Something Cool. After her death, she was hailed as "one of the finest and most neglected singers of her time." more »

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Written by: SAMMY CAHN, RAY HEINDORF

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Pete Kelly's Blues" Origin
The song "Pete Kelly's Blues" emerged from a film of the same title, released in 1955. This crime drama movie centered around a jazz musician, Pete Kelly.
Bobby Darin's Version
The American singer, Bobby Darin, is well-known for his versatile performing style. He recorded his own rendition of "Pete Kelly's Blues" which was released as a single in 1959.
Ella Fitzgerald's Recording
Legendary jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald also gave her unique interpretation to "Pete Kelly's Blues". Her version of the song became quite popular among jazz enthusiasts.
June Christy's Performance
June Christy, known for her cool jazz vocal style, also performed "Pete Kelly's Blues," adding her personal touch to the jazz standard.
Song's Popularity
"Pete Kelly's Blues" has been covered by many artists, apart from Darin, Fitzgerald, and Christy, contributing to its enduring popularity in the field of jazz music.
Historical Context
The song reflects the vibrant jazz scene of the 1950s and early 1960s, with the different versions showing the versatility and adaptability of the genre.
Bobby Darin's Career
Bobby Darin recorded "Pete Kelly's Blues" during the early days of his career when he was trying various genres of music, from rock and roll to pop and jazz. This was before he had his first big hit with "Splish Splash" in 1958.
Ella Fitzgerald's Legacy
Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Pete Kelly's Blues" is often considered as one of her strongest jazz performances, contributing to her enduring reputation as one of the best jazz vocalists of all time.
June Christy's Contribution
June Christy's rendition of the song has been praised for her cool, understated delivery, showcasing her talent for transforming jazz standards into something uniquely hers.
Film's Impact
The movie "Pete Kelly's Blues" had a significant impact on popular culture of the time, spinning off not only the titular song but also a popular radio show, contributing to the continued relevance and popularity of the song itself.

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