Moanin' Low
{{Short description|1929 popular torch song}}
Moanin' Low is a popular torch song. The music was written by Ralph Rainger; the lyrics by Howard Dietz. The song was published in 1929 and was introduced that same year in the musical revue The Little Show by Libby Holman becoming a hit{{cite book|last1=Whitburn|first1=Joel|title=Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954|date=1986|publisher=Record Research Inc|location=Wisconsin, USA|isbn=0-89820-083-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/216 216]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/216}} and Holman's signature song. A recording by The Charleston Chasers (vocal by Eva Taylor) was also popular in 1929.{{cite book|last1=Whitburn|first1=Joel|title=Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954|date=1986|publisher=Record Research Inc|location=Wisconsin, USA|isbn=0-89820-083-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/81 81]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/joelwpopmemories00whit/page/81}}
Since its publication, the song has become a popular jazz standard.
Selected recordings
- Annette Hanshaw - recorded on August 29, 1929 for Okeh Records (catalog No. 41292).{{cite web |title=The Online Discographical Project |url=http://www.78discography.com/OK41000.html |website=78discography.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Billie Holiday recorded her version of the song on March 31, 1937 with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra for Brunswick Records (catalog No. 7877).{{cite web |title=The Online Discographical Project |url=http://www.78discography.com/BRN7500.htm |website=78discography.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Lena Horne - recorded on December 17, 1941 for Victor Records (catalog No. 27817A).{{cite web |title=The Online Discographical Project |url=http://www.78discography.com/vic27500.html |website=78discography.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Harry James recorded a version in 1951 (released in 1952) on Columbia 39678.{{cite web |title=The Online Discographical Project |url=http://www.78discography.com/COL39500.htm |website=78discography.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Ella Fitzgerald - recorded on December 31, 1953 for Decca Records (catalog No 29475).{{cite web |title=The Online Discographical Project |url=http://www.78discography.com/Dec29000.htm |website=78discography.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Dinah Shore - included in the album Bouquet of Blues (1956).{{cite web |title=Discogs.com |url=https://www.discogs.com/Dinah-Shore-Bouquet-Of-Blues/release/9060037 |website=Discogs.com |accessdate=September 23, 2018}}
- Johnny Mathis - for his album The Rhythms and Ballads of Broadway (1960){{cite web|title=www.allmusic.com|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ballads-of-broadway-rhythms-of-broadway-mw0000370202|website=allmusic.com|accessdate=February 22, 2025}}
- Barbra Streisand recorded her version of the song in 1975 in her album Lazy Afternoon,{{cite web|title=www.allmusic.com|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/lazy-afternoon-mw0000650838|website=allmusic.com|accessdate=February 21, 2025}} arranged and conducted by Rupert Holmes.
Film appearances
- In the Humphrey Bogart-Lauren Bacall film, Key Largo, Claire Trevor gave a memorable rendition of the song in a role that won her the 1948 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Annette Hanshaw's 1929 version was used in the animated film Sita Sings the Blues.
- In the 1950 Kirk Douglas-Lauren Bacall film, Young Man With A Horn, it appears repeatedly in instrumental form.
See also
References
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{{Libby Holman|state=collapsed}}
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Category:Songs with lyrics by Howard Dietz