I Happen to Like New York: The Legacy of a Cole Porter Classic
Few songwriters captured the sophisticated essence of urban life quite like Cole Porter. Among his vast catalog of hits, "I Happen to Like New York" stands as a timeless tribute to the energy and allure of the city that never sleeps. Originally written for the 1930 musical The New Yorkers, the song was first introduced to audiences by Oscar Ragland.
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A Staple of the Great American Songbook
Over the decades, "I Happen to Like New York" has evolved from a theatrical piece into a standard of the Great American Songbook—a canon of the most influential and enduring songs from the early 20th century. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by the diverse array of artists who have recorded it across different genres and eras.
Notable Recordings and Performances
The song has been interpreted by some of the most celebrated voices in music history. In 1956, British-born singer Dorothy Carless featured the track as the closing number of her album Mixed Emotions. Later, in 1962, the legendary Judy Garland included the song on her album The Garland Touch.
International appeal continued in 1964 when Caterina Valente recorded the song as the title track of her album. The song's versatility also extended to live performances and cinema; Bobby Short's 1973 recording from Live at the Café Carlyle was later featured in the 1993 film Manhattan Murder Mystery. Additionally, the song served as the opening track for Liza Minnelli's 1987 live album, At Carnegie Hall.
Modern Interpretations
The song continues to find new life in contemporary pop culture. In September 2024, actress Jean Smart performed a modified version of the song, featuring altered lyrics, during the premiere of the 50th season of Saturday Night Live.
Key Facts
- Composer: Written by Cole Porter.
- Origin: Debuted in the 1930 musical The New Yorkers.
- Original Performer: Introduced by Oscar Ragland.
- Status: Recognized as a standard of the Great American Songbook.
- Recent Appearance: Performed by Jean Smart on Saturday Night Live in 2024.
| Artist | Year | Album/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Carless | 1956 | Mixed Emotions |
| Judy Garland | 1962 | The Garland Touch |
| Caterina Valente | 1964 | I Happen to Like New York (Title Track) |
| Bobby Short | 1973 | Live at the Café Carlyle (used in 1993 film) |
| Liza Minnelli | 1987 | At Carnegie Hall |
| Jean Smart | 2024 | Saturday Night Live (Modified lyrics) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the song "I Happen to Like New York"?
The song was written by the renowned composer Cole Porter.
In which musical did the song first appear?
It was written for the 1930 musical titled The New Yorkers.
Who was the first person to introduce the song?
The song was introduced by Oscar Ragland.
Which film featured a recording by Bobby Short?
Bobby Short's 1973 recording from Live at the Café Carlyle was used in the 1993 film Manhattan Murder Mystery.
Has the song been performed recently?
Yes, actress Jean Smart performed a version with modified lyrics on the 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live in September 2024.