Saturday, November 27, 2010

At the Music Hall: "Sonny Boy," 1928

When there are grey skies I don't mind the grey skies.
You make them blue, Sonny Boy.
Friends may forsake me, let them all forsake me.
You pull me thru, Sonny Boy.
You're sent from heaven and I know your worth.
You made a heaven for me right here on the earth.
When I'm old and grey, dear, promise you won't stray, dear,
for I love you, Sonny Boy.

Written by Ray Henderson, Bud DeSylva and Lew Brown in 1928, Sonny Boy has long been a sentimental favorite known to bring tears to the eyes of even the toughest bloke. This was a popular song in both pubs and music halls—especially the former since the introduction of alcohol often makes for a love of sentiment. The song was popularized in the U.S. after being featured in the 1928 talking picture, The Singing Fool as sung by Al Jolson. Jolson’s recording of the song was the most popular record of the year for twelve weeks—earning over one million dollars. That was quite impressive in 1928. Today, the song is still part of our popular culture, and still, just as much of a tear-jerker as ever.




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