17 Best Songs from 1938

“You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” By Bing Crosby

Song year: 1938

“You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” is one of the top songs from 1938 and a classic in Bing Crosby’s music repertoire. The song was written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer, two legendary songwriters behind many hits during that era.

The song became very popular, thanks to Bing Crosby’s charming vocals and the catchy melody that stays on your mind long after you’ve heard it. It has since been covered by various artists, including Dinah Shore, Dean Martin, and Diana Krall.

“You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby” is an iconic song that captures the essence of swing music from 1938. Its playful lyrics and catchy melody make it an enjoyable tune to listen to even today.

“Heart & Soul” By Larry Clinton

Song year: 1938

“Heart & Soul” is a timeless classic first composed and performed by Larry Clinton and his orchestra in 1938. The song’s beautiful melody, catchy lyrics, and stunning vocal performance by Bea Wain ensured its lasting popularity.

Larry Clinton’s “Heart & Soul” version showcases his exceptional musical composition skills and orchestration abilities. His use of instruments such as saxophones and trumpets and Bea Wain’s remarkable singing talent create a beautiful amalgamation of big band jazz music that is still appreciated today.

Unsurprisingly, “Heart & Soul” became such a success, ranking #11 on the top pop charts for 1938.

“Alexander’s Ragtime Band” By Bing Crosby & Connee Boswell

Song year: 1938

“Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” originally written in 1911 by Irving Berlin, became a number-one hit once again in 1938 when it was performed as a duet by Bing Crosby and Connee Boswell.

The song is considered one of the best from that year, and for good reason – its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and clever lyrics make it a classic.

The popularity of “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” endured beyond 1938, with other artists covering the song over the years. Alice Faye performed it with several Hollywood stars in the movie of the same name released that year, while Crosby recorded another version of his own later on.

It’s not just about the rhythmic beat or lyrical content, though; interesting anecdotes surround this beloved tune like Alice Faye performing to millions across America on radio broadcasts during WWII to cheer up troops overseas.

“Music, Maestro, Please” By Tommy Dorsey

Song year: 1938

“Music, Maestro, Please” by Tommy Dorsey is a timeless classic from the Swing era of big band music. The song features Edythe Wright on vocals and showcases the orchestra’s exceptional talent and musicianship.

Tommy Dorsey was one of the most successful bandleaders of his time, with a total of 286 songs hitting Billboard charts throughout his career.

In summary, “Music, Maestro, Please” is a must-listen for those who appreciate Jazz standards or are interested in exploring popular music from the past.

“Whistle While You Work” By Seven Dwarfs

Song year: 1938

“Whistle While You Work” is a classic song from the 1937 Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It was composed by Frank Churchill with lyrics written by Larry Morey, and it quickly became a timeless hit that remains popular today.

One interesting fact about “Whistle While You Work” is that it was one of three songs in Snow White to incorporate whistling into its melody.

Overall, “Whistle While You Work” has gained a lasting place in music history as one of the best songs from 1938.

“My Reverie” By Larry Clinton

Song year: 1938

“My Reverie” by Larry Clinton is a classic song combining jazz and classical music elements. This beautiful composition was adapted from Claude Debussy’s “Reverie,” with lyrics added by Larry Clinton himself.

Larry Clinton was known for his unique approach to creating music, which involved adapting classical pieces into new arrangements for his orchestra. His version of “My Reverie” features soaring vocals from Bea Wain and showcases the rich sound of his orchestra.

In addition to “My Reverie,” Clinton had several other hits that were adapted from classical works by composers like Tchaikovsky and Debussy.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” By Fred Astaire

Song year: 1938

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” by Fred Astaire is a song that perfectly showcases the legendary performer’s footwork, with tap beats perfectly matched by drum beats.

As part of his notable works, Fred Astaire also covered songs like “The Wailing of the Willow” and “Steppin’ Out with My Baby.” However, this particular song has cemented his legacy as one of America’s greatest performers.

“Jeepers Creepers” By Al Donahue

Song year: 1938

“Jeepers Creepers” by Al Donahue is a swing music and jazz standard written by Johnny Mercer in 1938 for the movie “Going Places.” The song became an instant hit upon release and reached number one on the Billboard charts, making Al Donahue a household name in popular music.

Al Donahue was a talented musician and a great vocalist who collaborated with several artists to produce some of the most memorable hits of the era. His version of “Jeepers Creepers” is unique because it features his signature big band sound that blends perfectly with Mercer’s lively lyrics.

Key Takeaways

• 1938 was a golden year for music, with exceptional recordings by iconic artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Artie Shaw, and The Andrews Sisters.
• These top songs of the year were not only chart-toppers in their time but also remain beloved classics today.
• The best songs from 1938 showcase various musical genres such as jazz, swing music, sentimental ballads, and traditional American music.
• These timeless tracks continue to captivate listeners worldwide and represent an essential part of the cultural legacy of American entertainment history.

Top Songs from 1938, Final Thoughts

1938 was an amazing year for music, with popular recordings by well-known artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Artie Shaw, and The Andrews Sisters. These songs were not only chart-toppers in their time but also remain beloved classics today.

From swing-era hits to jazz standards and sentimental ballads, the top songs from 1938 captured the spirit of the times. Whether you’re a fan of vintage music or simply looking to broaden your musical horizons, these iconic tracks still have much to offer.