What Is This Thing Called Love

George Morrow, Max Roach Quintet, Richie Powell, Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins

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:
1989
7:35
#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


7 facts about this song

Cole Porter
"What Is This Thing Called Love" was originally written by Cole Porter for the 1929 musical play "Wake Up and Dream." - Porter was known for his clever lyrics and melodies, which made him a popular choice for jazz musicians.
Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw was a famous jazz clarinetist and bandleader who recorded a version of "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Shaw was known for his innovative arrangements and interpretations of popular songs, including this Porter classic.
Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown was a highly influential jazz trumpeter who also recorded "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Despite his life being cut short by a car accident, Brown's recordings, including this one, have had a lasting impact on the jazz genre.
Les Paul
Les Paul, the legendary guitarist and inventor, recorded a version of "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Paul's version further demonstrated his innovative guitar technique and pioneering use of multi-track recording.
Max Roach
Renowned jazz drummer Max Roach also recorded a version of "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Roach is hailed for his improvisational skill and groundbreaking work in the bebop genre.
Sidney Bechet
Sidney Bechet, a leading figure in the revival of New Orleans jazz, also famously recorded "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Bechet was known for his powerful and passionate style, and his rendition of this song is no exception.
Sonny Rollins
The saxophonist Sonny Rollins is another jazz icon who recorded "What Is This Thing Called Love." - Rollins is known for his adventurous musical explorations, and his version of this song demonstrates his innovative approach.

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