Tommy Dorsey's On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Do you have a few minutes to relax and listen to one of the greatest big band recordings?

Here is Sy Oliver's swinging arrangement for Tommy Dorsey of "On the Sunny Side of the Street." (Please read the question of authorship at the bottom of this article)

The lyrics: (multiple versions!)

Grab your coat, don't forget your hat
But, leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet, just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street

Can’t you hear the pitter-pat
You know that happy tune is my step
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street
Used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But what a drag old man, gettin' stuck in the shade, Get hip, don't be afraid...move it on over, get yourself in the clover
If I never had a cent
I’d be rich as Rockefeller, can't be beat
Gold dust round my feet
On the sunny side of the street

Who wrote this classic tune? Jimmy McHugh is the published composer of “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” but there are  rumors that “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and “If I Had You” were originally Fats Waller compositions that he sold the rights to for quick cash.  This is believed to be a not uncommon situation. For example, many question whether Irving Berlin actually composed all of the 1500 songs published in his name. Note: the Rutgers Jazz library has sheet music written in Waller's hand that seems to support the claim that Waller composed the music.

Here is the recording...vocals by the Clark Sisters. Enjoy.

Also read more about Sy Oliver: http://www.examiner.com/swing-and-big-band-in-national/frank-sinatra-fights-racial-discrimination

To buy this recording or more big band greats CLICK HERE