We’ve spent the last few days hearing those Three Little Words (1930) and seeing how Ev’ryone Says ‘I Love You’ (1932). Today, we move into 1934 to see what happens when you decide to commit those words to paper.
The Association: "Words"
Written by the legendary Johnny Mercer and Gordon Jenkins, P.S. I Love You is a masterclass in the power of the "written word." Mercer had a genius for the mundane; the song is structured like a casual letter - mentioning the weather and such - only to drop the real message in the postscript!
The Original: Rudy Vallée (1934)
Rudy Vallée and his Connecticut Yankees took this straight to the top of the charts in 1934. Rudy’s signature croon—often delivered through his famous megaphone—was the perfect fit for a song that feels like an intimate, private letter meant for only one set of eyes.
Let's spin his Victor record:
Rudy's career went on for decades after 1934, but he was getting past his peak as a romantic singing star, getting shoved aside by the Crosby and Columbo types.
The "Everyone is Saying It" Connection: Eddie Stone (1934)
Remember Eddie Stone? On Monday, we heard him with Isham Jones's orchestra proving that "everyone" was saying those three little words in 1932. By 1934, Eddie was leading his own band on the Bluebird label, and he seems to have decided that some things are better put in writing.
I really like Eddie Stone's vocals. He's got his own distinctive style. Kind of a sly, conversational delivery with a touch of humor. No one else sounded quite like him!
The Casa Loma Letter: Glen Gray (1934)
Finally, we have Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra on Decca. This version features a smooth, heartfelt vocal by Kenny Sargent.
Kenny's another singer who had his own delivery that set him apart from the typical band vocalists of the day. You always know it's him when you drop the needle on a Casa Loma record!
The Casa Loma band, now officially billed with Glen Gray as leader, was featuring more vocals by this point, contrasting with their earlier fast-paced instrumentals like Casa Loma Stomp.
Do you still find yourself reaching for a pen and paper to say what's on your mind, or has the "Postscript" become a lost art in the age of the text message?
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