Popular music composer, Jimmy Van Heusen (1913-1990), had a unique position in the swing/big band era as a friend to both of the two top crooners of the era. Jimmy, first, was a good friend to Bing Crosby. They worked together on most of the Road pictures and "Going My Way.' Second, he was a very close friend and, by some accounts a mentor to Frank Sinatra. Jimmy was proud to say he loved three things (note:This was before his first and only marriage at the age of 56)...Booze, broads and Sinatra. Van Heusen's role in Frank's career and life was major. Jimmy told me a number of stories of their relationship during the time I was preparing to underwrite (DuPont) a network television special for the 1980 season. The program was to be a tribute to the music of Jimmy Van Heusen. The stars were to be Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. Unfortunately, Frank received a movie offer that he couldn't refuse (The First Deadly Sin). It turned out to be his final film. Back to the major influence: During the Ava Gardner divorce period, Jimmy said that he saved Frank twice from suicide attempts...it doesn't get any more major than that.
In regard to music, Jimmy and Frank seemed to be joined at the hip. Frank, according to my count, recorded more Van Heusen tunes than any other composer. Cole Porter, was probably, second. Jimmy, of course, was handsomely rewarded, beyond substantial royalties, with Oscars and an Emmy. Here is a list of the Van Heusen songs sung by Frank Sinatra that has been compiled by jimmyvanheusen.com. Pictured are Jimmy (seated) and Sammy Cahn.
Song Title
A Friend of Yours
Accidents Will Happen
All My Tomorrows
All The Way
All This and Heaven Too
An Old Fashioned Christmas
Aren't You Glad You're You
Barbara
Bells of Christmas (Greensleeves)
Boys' Night Out
But Beautiful
California
Call Me Irresponsible
Come Blow Your Horn
Come Dance With Me
Come Fly With Me
Come Waltz With Me
Deep In A Dream
Dick Haymes, Dick Todd and Como
Do You Know Why
Don't Be A Do-Badder
Early American
Empty Tables
Everybody Has The Right To Be Wrong
Here's That Rainy Day
High Hopes
How Are You Fixed For Love
I Could Have Told You
I Couldn't Care Less
I Like To Lead When I Dance
I Thought About You
I Wouldn’t Trade Christmas
If You Please
If You Stub Your Toe On The Moon
I'll On Miss Her When I Think Of Her
Imagination
Indiscreet
It Could Happen To You
It Gets Lonely Early
It's Always You
It's Nice To Go Traveling
Life Is So Peculiar
Like Someone In Love
Look Of Love
Look To Your Heart
Looking For Yesterday
Love and Marriage
(Love Is) The Tender Trap
Mister Booze
Moonlight Becomes You
My Kind Of Town
Name It and Its Yours
Nancy
Not As A Stranger
Nothing In Common
Oh,You Crazy Moon
Only The Lonely
Our Town
Pocketful of Miracles
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Ring a Ding Ding
Same Old Song and Dance
September of My Years
Shake Down The Stars
Star
Style
Sunday, Monday Or Always
Sunshine Cake
Sure Thing
Swinging On A Star
The Impatient Years
The Last Dance
The Man With The Golden Arm
The Second Time Around
The Twelve Days of Christmas
There's A Flaw In My Flue
They Came To Cordura
Tina
To Love and Be Loved
When Is Sometime
When No One Cares
You Lucky People You
You My Love
You Never Had It So Good
You'll Get Yours
No comments:
Post a Comment