Top 10 Most Memorable Songs Introduced By Fred Astaire
Legendary composers like Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and the Gershwins scrambled to have their best tunes be perfectly performed by the unassuming Astaire. Another legend, Irving Berlin, was not shy in his praise for Fred Astaire as a singer. In an excerpt from a 1976 interview with the New York Times, Berlin is quoted saying:
“And he’s not just a great dancer; he’s a great singer of songs. He’s as good as any of them‐‐‐as good as Jolson or Crosby or Sinatra. He’s just as good a singer as he is a dancer —not necessarily because of his voice, but by his conception of projecting a song.
You give Astaire a song, and you could forget about it. He knew the song. He sang it the way you wrote it. He didn’t change anything.
And if he did change anything…he made it better. He might put a different emphasis on the lyric. He’d do things that you hoped others singers wouldn’t do.”
Fred Astaire introduced more standards from the Great American Songbook than any other artist of the twentieth century including vocal powerhouses like Frank Sinatra. Using his unique singing voice, Astaire's performances brought these songs to life, making them memorable and endearing to audiences. Here, we explore the most memorable songs introduced by Fred Astaire, celebrating his remarkable talent and lasting impact on music.
1. "Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat (1935)
One of the most iconic songs associated with Fred Astaire is "Cheek to Cheek." Written by Irving Berlin for the film Top Hat, this song is a perfect blend of romance and elegance. Astaire's smooth vocals and the dreamy dance sequence with Ginger Rogers make this song unforgettable. The lyrics, "Heaven, I'm in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak," encapsulate the magic of Astaire's performance. The song became an instant hit and remains a classic, often associated with the golden era of Hollywood musicals.
2. "Puttin' on the Ritz" from Puttin' on the Ritz (1930)
"Putin' on the Ritz," another Irving Berlin composition, is synonymous with sophistication and style. Although the song was originally introduced by Clark Gable in the film Puttin' on the Ritz, Astaire's rendition in the 1946 film Blue Skies is particularly memorable. Astaire's version brought new life to the song, with his impeccable timing and charismatic delivery. It has been spoofed many times, most memorably in Young Frankenstein by Gene Wilder as Dr. Frankenstein and Peter Boyle as the Monster. The song's lively rhythm and clever lyrics celebrate the glamor of dressing up and hitting the town, making it a favorite for generations.
3. "They Can't Take That Away from Me" from Shall We Dance (1937)
Written by George and Ira Gershwin, "They Can't Take That Away from Me" is a poignant and beautiful ballad introduced by Fred Astaire in the film Shall We Dance. The song expresses a sense of enduring love and the cherished memories that can never be taken away. Astaire's heartfelt performance was unique in this list as it was not originally a dance number. In Fred and Ginger’s tenth and final film together The Barkleys of Broadway, they reprised this song as a touching tribute to their creative partnership. The understated elegance of the melody and lyrics has made it a lasting favorite in the American songbook.
4. "Night and Day" from The Gay Divorcee (1934)
"Night and Day," composed by the incomparable Cole Porter, is one of the most well-known songs introduced by Fred Astaire. Featured in the film The Gay Divorcee, Astaire's performance of this song is a masterclass in expressing romantic longing and passion. The song's sophisticated melody and evocative lyrics, combined with Astaire's smooth vocal delivery, create an unforgettable musical moment. "Night and Day" has been covered by many artists over the years, but Astaire's version remains a definitive interpretation.
5. "A Fine Romance" from Swing Time (1936)
Another gem without a dance from the songwriting duo of Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, "A Fine Romance" was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the film Swing Time. This playful and sarcastic love song captures the comedic chemistry between Astaire and Rogers, with lyrics that humorously lament the lack of romance in their relationship. Astaire's charming and light-hearted delivery makes this song a delightful and memorable piece. The catchy melody and clever lyrics have ensured its place as a beloved standard.
6. "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" from Shall We Dance (1937)
"Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," another classic from George and Ira Gershwin, was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the film Shall We Dance. This song is famous for its playful exploration of differences in pronunciation and preferences, culminating in the famous lines, "You like tomato, and I like tomahto." The dance sequence on roller skates adds a unique and entertaining element to Astaire's performance. Though Fred and Ginger were not the first to dance in skates on film, their performance was certainly the most definitive. The song's humor and charm have made it a perennial favorite.
7. "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" from Top Hat (1935)
The title song from the film Top Hat is one of Fred Astaire's most iconic performances. In a 1976 New York Times interview, Irving Berlin admitted that this was his favorite song to write for Fred Astaire, who he called his “closest and best friend”. "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" celebrates the elegance and sophistication of formal attire. Astaire's performance is a dazzling display of his dancing and charismatic stage presence. The song's catchy melody and glamorous lyrics, combined with Astaire's impeccable delivery, make it a standout moment in his career. This song perfectly encapsulates the style and class that Astaire brought to the screen.
8. "Change Partners" from Carefree (1938)
"Change Partners," written by Irving Berlin, was introduced by Fred Astaire in the film Carefree. This romantic and wistful song showcases Astaire's smooth and emotive vocal style. The lyrics, which speak of dancing with different partners but longing for one special person, are beautifully brought to life by Astaire's heartfelt performance. The song's gentle melody and sentimental lyrics have made it a timeless classic, often associated with the magic of dance and romance. And while this list is supposed to be somewhat subjective, this is one of my favorites of Fred’s vocal performances.
9. "The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time (1936)
"The Way You Look Tonight," composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, is one of the most beloved songs introduced by Fred Astaire. Featured in the film Swing Time, Astaire's performance of this song is a tender and romantic highlight. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and has become a standard in the Great American Songbook, cherished by audiences for its timeless appeal. The most well known rendition is by Frank Sinatra, which is true for many of the songs that Fred Astaire introduced in his films.
10. "Steppin' Out with My Baby" from Easter Parade (1948)
"Steppin' Out with My Baby," written by Irving Berlin for the film Easter Parade, is a vibrant and upbeat song introduced by Fred Astaire. This song captures the excitement and joy of going out on a special date, with Astaire's lively performance adding to its infectious energy. The dance sequence that accompanies the song is a showcase of Astaire's incredible talent and charisma. The song's catchy rhythm and celebratory lyrics make it a memorable and enduring favorite.
Fred Astaire's contributions to music and film are hard to quantify, and the songs he introduced have left an incredible impact on the world of music. From romantic ballads to lively dance numbers, Astaire's performances brought these songs to life, making them timeless classics. His smooth vocals, impeccable timing, and charismatic stage presence have ensured that these songs continue to be cherished by audiences around the world. Astaire's legacy as a singer and dancer is a testament to his extraordinary talent and enduring influence on the world of music and film.
