I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby explained

I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby
Cover:File:I can't give you anything but love (1928) Sheet Music.pdf
Caption:Sheet music, 1928
Type:song
Artist:Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields
Released:1928
Recorded:1928
Genre:Jazz
Composer:Jimmy McHugh
Producer:Jimmy McHugh

"I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby" is an American popular song and jazz standard by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Dorothy Fields (lyrics). The song was introduced by Adelaide Hall at Les Ambassadeurs Club in New York in January 1928 in Lew Leslie's Blackbird Revue, which opened on Broadway later that year as the highly successful Blackbirds of 1928 (518 performances), wherein it was performed by Adelaide Hall, Aida Ward, and Willard McLean.

In the 100-most recorded songs from 1890 to 1954, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby" (1928) is No. 24.[1]

The original lyrics and music of the song entered the public domain in the United States in 2024.[2]

Background

Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields had written the score for a revue at Les Ambassadeurs Club on 57th Street, New York, which featured the vocalist Adelaide Hall. However, the producer Lew Leslie believed that they still missed a 'smash' tune. The team pondered for a while before finally playing Leslie "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby". This was the song Leslie had been looking for and he immediately included it in the revue.[3] One advertisement called it "the song success of the Nation."[4]

Blackbird Revue opened on January 4, 1928, with Adelaide Hall singing "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby" solo. Later on, Fields and McHugh wrote a second half for the revue and Leslie expanded the production. With extra songs and extra performers added (including the vocalist Aida Ward), Leslie renamed the revue Blackbirds of 1928 and took the full production for a tryout in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where it appeared at Nixon's Apollo Theatre. On May 9, 1928, Blackbirds of 1928 opened at the Liberty Theatre, Broadway.

The idea behind the song came during a stroll Fields and McHugh were taking one evening down Fifth Avenue; they saw a young couple window-shopping at Tiffany's. McHugh and Fields understood that the couple could not afford to buy jewelry from Tiffany's, but nevertheless they drew closer to them. It was then they heard the man say: "Gee, honey I'd like to get you a sparkler like that, but right now, i can't give you nothin' but love!" Hearing this, McHugh and Fields rushed to a nearby Steinway Tunnel, and within an hour they came up with "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby".[5]

Some controversy surrounds the song's authorship. Andy Razaf's biographer Harry Singer offers circumstantial evidence that suggests Fats Waller might have sold the melody to McHugh in 1926 and that the lyrics were by Andy Razaf.[6] Alternatively, Philip Furia has pointed out that Fields' verse is almost identical to the end of the second verse of Lorenz Hart's and Richard Rodgers' song "Where's That Rainbow?" from Peggy-Ann, the 1926 musical comedy with book by Fields' brother Herbert and produced by their father Lew:[7]

Recorded versions

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga version

I Can't Give You Anything but Love
Cover:ICantGive-Single Cover.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
Album:Cheek to Cheek
Released:August 19, 2014
Studio:Conway (Los Angeles)
Genre:Jazz
Length:3:13
Producer:Dae Bennett
Chronology:Tony Bennett
Prev Title:Anything Goes
Prev Year:2014
Next Title:I Get a Kick Out of You
Next Year:2021

Composition and reception

The version of "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" on Cheek to Cheek has Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga alternating verses alongside piano, a brass section and drums.[42] She also altered the lyrics to sing "Gee, I'd like to say you're looking swell, Tony", who later rejoins with the line "Diamond bracelets won't work, doesn't sell, Gaga".[43] [44] Jeff Benjamin from Fuse was positive in his review, saying that "[t]here's a walking bassline, gospel organs and brassy horn blasts to back the pair's soulful crooning. And while we love listening to Gaga and Tony, we really get into the throwback vibe when the trumpet solo kicks in.[45] Trey Barrineau from USA Today complimented the duos vocals, saying that the song "really swings".[46]

Jesse David Fox from New York also gave a positive review, stating that "lot has been written about the creative and commercial shortcomings of Gaga's last record, [''[[Artpop]]], but I, for one, am glad about its failure – because anything that frees her up to record more music with Tony Bennett is a win in my book. 'I Can't Give You Anything but Love' is a great example; Tony Bennett might be 88, but it's Gaga who hasn't sounded this alive in years."[47] A writer for Next Magazine declared that Gaga sounded "absolutely stellar" in the song, and found it to be a "vocal vehicle" for the artist to "show off" her singing.[48] Debra Kamin from The Times of Israel praised Gaga's vocals on "I Can't Give You Anything but Love", for her range and control.[49] MTV News critic Gil Kaufman described the track as "funky".[50] Alexa Camp from Slant Magazine gave a negative review, saying that "for a singer who isn't even 30, Gaga's voice is shockingly rough-hewn".[51]

Release and commercial performance

"I Can't Give You Anything but Love" was released as the second single from Bennett's and Lady Gaga's first collaborative album Cheek to Cheek (2014) on August 19, 2014. Gaga announced the release on Twitter, accompanied by the single's cover art.[52] On October 6, two remixes of the song were made available for digital download. Remix by Italian record producer Giorgio Moroder was released exclusively to Idolator website. The chords of the original version was changed, with Moroder adding synths and a bassline, complementing the vocals of Bennett and Gaga.[53] Another remix, was an Earmilk exclusive and was made by Austrian musician Parov Stelar. He changed the cover into a "bouncy jazz house mix that provides a perfect compliment to the stars' seasoned vocals".[54] Additionally, Universal Music Group sent the single to Italian radios on January 16, 2015. After its release, "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" debuted at number-one on the Jazz Digital Songs chart of Billboard, on the week ending September 6, 2014. The single also appeared on national charts of France and Italy at numbers 173 and 76 respectively.

Music video

An official music video for the song was released on August 26, 2014. The video was shot in the recording studio and the first half showed Gaga in numerous outfits and wigs, while recording the song and roaming around. Bennett joins the studio sessions later on, singing the song. The final chorus finds the two singers belting together, described as "join[ing] forces for a peculiar, yet potent blend of styles that transcends generations and genres".

Jon Blistein from Rolling Stone complimented the video, saying that it "proves [Gaga and Bennett] exude a unique, adorable brand of musical chemistry".[55] Maurice Bobb from MTV News noticed the "bare essence" of the duo in the video and added that Gaga appeared "overwhelmingly subdued", but felt that "her playful energy still shines through as she preens and shimmies to [Bennett's] smooth crooning."[56] Nolan Feeney from Time that Gaga appeared normal in the video and added that "she's still fun to watch even when she's just hanging out in the vocal both (and dressed like a relatively normal human, no less)."[57] Katie Atkinson from Billboard declared that "If you love the adorable friendship between glam pop queen Lady Gaga and classic crooner Tony Bennett, you'll definitely want to see the breezy behind-the-scenes studio video of the pair for 'I Can't Give You Anything but Love'."[58] Idolator's Mike Wass described the video in detail, calling it the "perfect antidote for Gaga's overwhelming, more-is-more Artpop visuals... The swingin' standard is a nice fit for Gaga and Tony. It allows them to riff off each other and ham it up (ever so slightly). Those shenanigans are captured in the studio-based video, which finds Mother Monster modeling a variety of wigs and smoking a cigar. Her suave companion looks a little bemused but he's clearly having a good time."[59]

Charts

Chart (2014)!scope="col"
Peak
position
Italy (FIMI)[60] 76
US Jazz Digital Songs (Billboard)[61] 1

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatVersionLabel
VariousAugust 19, 2014Digital downloadOriginal
October 6, 2014Giorgio Moroder remix
Parov Stelar remix
ItalyJanuary 16, 2015Radio airplayOriginalUniversal[62]

Use in the media

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hope . Carolyn . Barry's Hits of All Decades. hitsofalldecades.com . 25 July 2018 . This list was compiled by data from the book Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890–1954 (1986) Published by Billboard Publications.
  2. Web site: Public Domain Day 2024 | Duke University School of Law. web.law.duke.edu.
  3. Book: Williams . Iain Cameron . Underneath a Harlem Moon . 2002 . Continuum . London . 0826458939 . 129–139 . 1.
  4. Book: Brothers, Thomas. Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism. W.W. Norton & Company. 2014. 978-0-393-06582-4. New York, NY. 329.
  5. Burton . Jack . The Honor Roll of Popular Songwriters: No. 62 — Jimmy McHugh. . William H. Donaldson. May 27, 1950. 42. 0006-2510.
  6. http://www.jazzstandards.com/compositions-1/icantgiveyouanythingbutlove.htm "I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Baby" at Jazz Standards
  7. Book: Furia, Philip. Philip Furia. The Poets of Tin Pan Alley: A History of America's Great Lyricists . limited . 1990 . 216–17 . Oxford University Press. 978-0195074734.
  8. Web site: Supertone for Sears - numerical listing discography: 9000 - 9500.
  9. http://78discography.com/Har500.htm Harmony Records in the 1001P to 2027P series
  10. http://78discography.com/SPTCol.htm Supertone Records in the 1001P to 2027P series
  11. https://jazzlives.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/the-lillie-delk-christian-mysteries/ The Lillie Delk Christian Mysteries : People Seemed to Like it
  12. http://78discography.com/.htm Challenge Records in the 500 to 999 series
  13. http://78discography.com/Ban7000.htm Banner Records in the 7000 to 7265 series
  14. http://78discography.com/Jewel5000.htm Jewel Records in the 5000 to 5499 series
  15. http://78discography.com/MW4500.htm Montgomery Ward Records in the 4500 to 5041 series
  16. http://78discography.com/vic21500.html Victor Records in the 21500 to 21999 series
  17. http://78discography.com/BRN4000.htm Brunswick Records in the 4000 to 4499 series
  18. http://78discography.com/COL38000.htm Columbia Records in the 38000 to 38499 series
  19. http://78discography.com/BRN6500.htm Brunswick Records in the 6500 to 6999 series
  20. http://78discography.com/COL37500.htm Columbia Records in the 37500 to 37999 series
  21. http://78discography.com/VOC3000.htm Vocalion Records in the 3000 to 3499 series
  22. http://78discography.com/VOC3500.htm Vocalion Records in the 3500 to 3999 series
  23. http://78discography.com/vic25500.html Victor Records in the 25500 to 25900 series
  24. http://78discography.com/Conq9500.htm Conqueror Records in the 9500 to 9960 series
  25. http://78discography.com/VOC5000.htm Vocalion Records in the 500 to 5499 series
  26. http://78discography.com/COL36500.htm Columbia Records in the 36500 to 36999 series
  27. http://78discography.com/Disc.htm Disc Records discography
  28. http://78discography.com/Dec18000.htm US Decca Records in the 18000 to 18499 series
  29. http://www.jazzdisco.org/prestige-records/discography-1933-1948/ Prestige Records discography, 1933 to 1948
  30. http://78discography.com/SwingFR.htm Swing Records discography
  31. http://78discography.com/Merc080.htm Mercury Records in the 8000 to 8310 series
  32. http://78discography.com/Discovery.htm Discovery Records discography
  33. http://78discography.com/Dec27500.htm Decca Records in the 27500 to 27999 series
  34. http://78discography.com/Merc890.htm Mercury Records in the 89000 to 89098 series
  35. http://www.jazzdisco.org/verve-records/clef-records-catalog-78-45-rpm-8900-89000-series/ Clef catalog
  36. http://www.deanmartinfancenter.com/index/rightframe/11discb/11discb.html Dean Martin 78 rpm discography on the Dean Martin fan site
  37. http://www.deanmartinfancenter.com/index/rightframe/11discc/11discc.html Dean Martin 45 rpm discography on the Dean Martin fan site
  38. Web site: The Hot Sardines . March 8, 2016 . September 19, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160919070943/https://hotsardines.com/news/new-album-out-october-7-on-decca-records/?cat=1 . dead .
  39. http://78discography.com/RCA203500.htm RCA Victor Records in the 20-3500 to 20-3999 series
  40. http://78discography.com/Capitol500.htm Capitol Records in the 500 to 999 series
  41. http://78discography.com/Capitol10000.htm Capitol Records in the 10000 to 10210 series
  42. Web site: Listen: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga Duet on 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love'. Reuter. Annie. August 19, 2014. August 28, 2014. Radio.com. CBS Interactive. https://web.archive.org/web/20150928091255/http://radio.com/2014/08/19/lady-gaga-tony-bennett-i-cant-give-you-anything-but-love-cheek-to-cheek/. September 28, 2015. dead.
  43. News: Hear Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's Latest 'Cheek to Cheek' Love Song. Grow. Kory. August 19, 2014. August 19, 2014. Rolling Stone. August 19, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140819191345/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-lady-gaga-and-tony-bennetts-latest-cheek-to-cheek-love-song-20140819. dead.
  44. Web site: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga – Cheek to Cheek – Deluxe Edition. iTunes Store. US. August 28, 2014.
  45. Web site: Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett Cover 1920s Song "I Can't Give You Anything But Love". Benjamin. Jeff. August 19, 2014. August 28, 2014. Fuse.
  46. News: Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett unveil video for 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love'. Barrineau. Trey. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. USA Today.
  47. News: 9 Best New Songs of the Week. Fox. Jesse David. August 20, 2014. August 28, 2014. New York.
  48. Web site: Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love". August 27, 2014. August 28, 2014. Next Magazine. https://web.archive.org/web/20140903142717/http://www.nextmagazine.com/content/lady-gaga-tony-bennet-i-cant-give-you-anything-love. September 3, 2014.
  49. News: Lady Gaga's color-drenched love fest is perfect boost after summer rocket war. Kamin. Debra. September 14, 2014. September 14, 2014. The Times of Israel.
  50. Web site: Kaufman. Gil. Lady Gaga And Tony Bennett's 'Cheek To Cheek': A Track By Track Breakdown. https://web.archive.org/web/20140918005958/http://www.mtv.com/news/1931065/lady-gaga-tony-bennett-cheek-to-cheek-review-breakdown/. dead. September 18, 2014. MTV News. September 16, 2014. September 16, 2014.
  51. Web site: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek. Camp. Alexa. September 17, 2014. September 18, 2014. Slant Magazine.
  52. News: Lady Gaga Unveils Cover Art For Duet Album With Tony Bennett. Gibson. Megan. August 19, 2014. August 19, 2014. Time.
  53. Web site: Giorgio Moroder's Remix Of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga's 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love': Idolator Premiere. Daw. Robbie. October 6, 2014. February 8, 2021. Idolator.
  54. Web site: Parov Stelar mixes Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" [Premiere]]. Earmilk. Colin. Tewksbury. October 6, 2014. February 8, 2021.
  55. News: See Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett's Chemistry at Work in the Duo's New Video. Blistein. John. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. Rolling Stone. August 28, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140828193657/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/lady-gaga-tony-bennett-video-i-cant-give-you-anything-but-love-20140826. dead.
  56. Web site: Lady Gaga And Tony Bennett Strip Down For The 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' Video. https://web.archive.org/web/20140827212014/http://www.mtv.com/news/1913487/lady-gaga-tony-bennett-i-cant-give-you-anything-but-love-video/. dead. August 27, 2014. Bobb. Maurice. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. MTV News.
  57. News: Lady Gaga Acts Like a Normal Person in the Video for Her Tony Bennett Duet. Feeney. Nolan. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. Time.
  58. News: Watch Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett Feeling the 'Love' in Studio Video. Atkinson. Katie. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. Billboard.
  59. Web site: Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett Jam In Their Low-Key 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love' Video: Watch. Wass. Mike. August 26, 2014. August 28, 2014. Idolator.
  60. Web site: Classifica settimanale WK 34. Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. August 24, 2020.
  61. Jazz Digital Songs : Sep 06, 2014. Billboard. https://web.archive.org/web/20141127014531/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2014-09-06/jazz-digital-songs. August 24, 2020. November 27, 2014. subscription .
  62. Web site: Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Radio Date: 16-01-2015). it. Giorgia. Aldi. January 14, 2015. EarOne. August 24, 2020.
  63. Book: Beck . Jerry . Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Bros. Cartoons . 1989 . Henry Holt and Company, Inc. . New York, New York . 4 . First .

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