Should I? (song)

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"Should I?"
Song by Arden–Ohman Orchestra
Published1929 by Robbins Music Corp.
RecordedJuly 29, 1929 (1929-07-29)[1]
Genre
Length3:15
LabelVictor 53960
Composer(s)Nacio Herb Brown
Lyricist(s)Arthur Freed

"Should I?" is a song with music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed, first published in 1929. It was originally written for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film Lord Byron of Broadway (1930), where it was introduced by singer and actor Charles Kaley.[2] The song became a major hit, charting at number 3 on Billboard for 11 weeks in 1930.[3]

Background[edit]

The first recording of "Should I?" was on July 29, 1929, by Arden–Ohman Orchestra with Scrappy Lambert providing vocals.[1]

In 1931, the song was recorded in Polish by Henryk Wars' Vocal Group under the title "Ja wiem o twej miłości" (eng. "I Know About Your Love"). The translation was made by Andrzej Włast.[4]

Re-arranged by Conrad Salinger, Wally Heglin and Skip Martin, "Should I?" appeared in the musical film Singin' in the Rain (1952).[5] Under the musical direction of Lennie Hayton, it was briefly sung by character actor Wilson Wood parodying Rudy Vallee during the "Beautiful Girl Montage" segment.[6] A portion of the song had also been featured in the 1943 MGM musical film, Thousands Cheer, sung by Georgia Carroll as part of a medley built around an unrelated song, "I Dug a Ditch" by the Kay Kyser orchestra, for which Carroll was a featured vocalist.

Notable recordings[edit]

Date Main recording artist Vocalist Notes Ref.
July 29, 1929 Arden–Ohman Orchestra Scrappy Lambert Lambert credited as "Burt Lorin". [1]
October 10, 1929 The Harmonians Tom Frawley [1]
October 18, 1929 Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra Jack Fulton [1]
November 17, 1929 Jesse Stafford and his Orchestra Jesse Stafford [1]
December 5, 1929 Frank Munn and his Orchestra Frank Munn Credited as "Paul Oliver". [1]
December 23, 1929 Phil Spitalny and his Orchestra instrumental Credited as "Hotel Pennsylvania Music". [1]
December 24, 1929 Charles Kaley Featured in Lord Byron of Broadway. [1]
January 15, 1930 Jack Miller and the New Englanders Jack Miller [1]
February 18, 1930 Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra Jimmie Noone [1]
February 20, 1930 The Rondoliers [1]
February 28, 1930 Seger Ellis Featuring Tommy Dorsey and Eddie Lang. [1]
c. 1931 Chór Henryka Warsa Polish version "Ja wiem o twej miłości". [4]
October 20, 1947 André Previn instrumental Featuring Al Viola and Jackie Mills. [1]
April 24, 1950 Frank Sinatra Released on the Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra album. [7]
c. 1951 Lennie Hayton[5] Wilson Wood Soundtrack recording for Singin' in the Rain and part of the "Beautiful Girl Montage" medley. [6][8]
September 19, 1956 Nat King Cole Recording included on From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 3) compilation album. [9]

Charts[edit]

Weekly charts[edit]

Chart (1930) Peak
position
US Billboard[3] 3

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Nacio Herb Brown – Discography of American Historical Recordings".
  2. ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 104. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
  3. ^ a b "Songs from the Year 1930". tsort.info. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  4. ^ a b "Ja wiem o twej miłości". Stare Melodie. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  5. ^ a b "Full credits of Singin' in the Rain – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  6. ^ a b "Wilson Wood – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  7. ^ Should I? at AllMusic
  8. ^ "Soundtracks for Singin' in the Rain – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  9. ^ "Nat King Cole With Nelson Riddle's Orchestra – Recording History". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
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