Vernon Duke, the Russian-American composer and songwriter, wrote many popular songs during his career, including "I Can't Get Started With You." Here are some interesting facts about him and the song:
Real Name and Background: Vernon Duke was born Vladimir Dukelsky in Parafianovo, Russia, in 1903. He emigrated to the United States with his family in 1921. He adopted the name Vernon Duke for his career as a composer.
"I Can't Get Started With You": Duke wrote the music for "I Can't Get Started With You," and the lyrics were written by Ira Gershwin. The song was first introduced in the 1936 musical "Ziegfeld Follies of 1936."
Popularized by Bunny Berigan: While "I Can't Get Started With You" is considered a jazz standard today, it gained significant popularity in 1937 when it was recorded by the famous jazz trumpeter Bunny Berigan. His recording became a hit and is considered one of the classic interpretations of the song.
Other Notable Performances: The song has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and many more. It remains a beloved standard in the jazz and American songbook repertoire.
Grammy Hall of Fame: "I Can't Get Started With You" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which recognizes recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance. This demonstrates the enduring appeal and influence of the song.
Vernon Duke's Prolific Career: Vernon Duke composed music for a wide range of genres, including classical music, jazz, and popular songs. Some of his other well-known compositions include "April in Paris" and "Autumn in New York." His versatility and contributions to music earned him a lasting legacy.
Collaboration with Other Lyricists: In addition to working with Ira Gershwin, Duke collaborated with various other lyricists throughout his career, including Johnny Mercer and Ogden Nash. His ability to work with different lyricists showcased his adaptability as a composer.
Later Career in Classical Music: While known for his popular songwriting, Duke also had a successful career composing classical music. He wrote several ballets and orchestral works, further highlighting his versatility as a composer.
Legacy: Vernon Duke passed away in 1969, but his music continues to be celebrated and performed by musicians and vocalists around the world. "I Can't Get Started With You" remains one of his most enduring contributions to American music.
These facts highlight the career of Vernon Duke and his enduring impact on the world of music, particularly through the timeless jazz standard "I Can't Get Started With You."