Can't We Be Friends? Explained

"Can't We Be Friends?" is a 1929 song with lyrics by Paul James and music by Kay Swift, introduced on Broadway in The Little Show by Libby Holman. It was later recorded by many artists including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

Recordings

• Red Nichols & his Five Pennies (recorded 9/6/1929 and released on Brunswick 4510).^[1]
• Ray Ventura & his Collegians (recorded 10/19/1929)
• Smith Ballew (recorded 11/11/1929, and released on Okeh 41304).^[2]
• The Georgians (recorded 11/22/1929)
• Bing Crosby (recorded 9/27/1929, and released on Columbia 2001-D)^[3]
• Libby Holman (recorded September, 1929 and released on Brunswick 4506).^[4]
• Sam Wooding & his Chocolate Kiddies (recorded 12/1929)
• The Imperial Dance Orchestra (1929)
• Al Bowlly with Ray Noble & his Orchestra (recorded 1/16/1931 and released on Decca F2220) (Al Bowlly Discography)
• Benny Goodman (1937, Victor 25621)^[5]
• Bob Crosby's Bobcats (1938, Decca)^[6]
• John Kirby (1941, Columbia 35920)^[7]
• Muggsy Spanier (1942, Decca 4168)^[8]
• Mildred Bailey with the Ellis Larkins Trio (1948, Majestic 1209)^[9]
• Jess Stacy (1950, Capitol 1136)^[10]
• Herman Chittison (Keyboard Capers album, 1950)^[11]
• Frank Sinatra (In the Wee Small Hours album, 1955) (recorded February 8, 1955, with orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle)
• Illinois Jacquet (Swing's the Thing album, 1956)
• Gene Ammons (The Happy Blues album, 1956)
• Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (Ella and Louis album, 1956)
• Jane Powell (Can't We Be Friends album, 1956)^[12]
• Anita O'Day - included in her album Incomparable! (1960).^[13]
• Linda Ronstadt (Lush Life album, 1984)
• Jamie Cullum (Twentysomething album, 2003)
• Seth MacFarlane (Once in a While album, 2019)
• Vincent Lopez & his Orchestra
• Leo Reisman & his Orchestra
• Art Tatum

Movie usage

• The Man I Love (1947) Played when Joey finds Gloria in the room and Petey sees San at the bar.
• Flamingo Road (1949) Played at the Eagle cafe when Lane gets hired
• Backfire (1950) Played when Steve, Bonnie and Lysa arrive at the party
• Young Man with a Horn (1950) featured Harry James dubbing "Can't We Be Friends" for Kirk Douglas's character
• Starlift (1951) Played twice at the cafeteria
• Bonnie & Clyde (1967) featured a scored version by Charles Strouse in the background of one scene
• Torch Song Trilogy (1998) featured Anita O'Day's version
• Get Him to the Greek (2010) featured a version by the Pete Jolly Trio

See also

• List of 1920s jazz standards

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Online Discographical Project. 78discography.com. August 30, 2017.
2. Web site: The Online Discographical Project. 78discography.com. August 30, 2017.
3. Web site: A Bing Crosby Discography. BING magazine. International Club Crosby. April 16, 2017.
4. Web site: The Online Discographical Project. 78discography.com. August 30, 2017.
5. News: Review of Records: Victor. Orodenker, M. H.. August 7, 1937. The Billboard. 11. Return of Benny Goodman to the wax fold is an item of major import from this front. Solid rhythmic sendings on both sides for Peckin'n and Can't We Be Friends? (25621). There's a terrific lifting spirit to the Goodman syncopation that defies one to refrain from rockin' in the rhythm. Each inspires each for a brand of swing that sets the pace for all other cats.. .
6. News: Music: Goodman Is Grand, Chick Cuts The Count and Heidt a Delight. Orodenker, M. H.. March 26, 1938. The Billboard. 11. Abbreviations: V-Victor; B-Brunswick; D-Decca; Bl-Bluebird; VO-Vocalion [...] Cats will find BOB CROSBY'S BOBCATS a lap-up for the unrestrained dixielanding to the top tootling of You're Driving Me Crazy and Can't We Be Friends? (D).. .
7. News: On the Records: John Kirby (Columbia 35920). Richman, Daniel. February 15, 1941. The Billboard. 67. Milumbu—FT; Can't We Be Friends?—FT [...] Side A is light and infectious, and the reverse side throws the tempo into high gear for the renowned Libby Holman song of first Little Show glory. The power and punch of a side like this come not from the amount of aimless noise that a trumpet, sax and clarinet can make, but from the enjoyment engendered by expert instrumentation of the highest order. Billy Kyle's piano stands out.... .
8. News: On the Records: MUGGSY SPANIER (Decca 4168). Orodenker, M. H.. March 7, 1942. The Billboard. 66. Chicago—FT. Can't We Be Friends?—FT [...] These sides mark the bow of this cornet-playing maestro on the Decca label. [...] This is the first waxing with his new and enlarged band.. .
9. News: The Billboard Music Popularity Charts: Record Reviews. February 14, 1948. The Billboard. 31. Mildred Bailey (Ellis Larkins Trio) (Majestic 1209) Can't We Be Friends? Bailey imparts that 'certain something' to oldie. Relaxed and soothing.. .
10. News: Record Reviews. February 14, 1948. The Billboard. 31. Light and bouncy instrumental interpretation of the standard is pleasant listening, featuring the Stacy piano; George Van Eps, guitar; Nick Fatool, drums, and Marty Corbs, bass.. .
11. News: The Billboard Music Popularity Charts: Record Reviews – Albums and LP. October 14, 1950. The Billboard. 48. Memories of You; Let's Fall in Love; Dancing on the Ceiling; Isn't It Romantic; September in the Rain; They Can't Take That Away From Me; Can't We Be Friends; On the Sunny Side of the Street. [...] His playing is not remarkably technical nor even especially original in conception, but it is relaxed, tasty, and his tempos are excellent. On e engaging trick he uses is playing second choruses in a blues idiom, while yet not losing the melody. Kind of thing you can listen to with full attention or play as a backdrop for chit-chat, or even dance to, and enjoy no matter what.. .
12. Web site: Discogs.com. Discogs.com. April 16, 2017.
13. Web site: Discogs.com. Discogs.com. August 30, 2017.