Sing, You Sinners (song) explained

"Sing, You Sinners" is a popular song with music by W. Franke Harling and lyrics by Sam Coslow. In 1930 it was used in the film Honey starring Lillian Roth. The Bing Crosby 1938 Paramount musical Sing You Sinners also included the song in the title credits.

1930 recordings

• Popular recordings in 1930 were by The High Hatters (on Victor 22322) and by Smith Ballew and his Orchestra.^[1] A good early recording is found on the album "The Song Hits of 1930 (Jazz Age Chronicles, Vol. 9)", and is sung by The Charleston Chasers.^[2] This is, perhaps, the way Coslow and Harling intended it to be performed. A version was released in 1930 by Hit of the Week Records, credited to Harlem Hot Chocolates but actually performed by Duke Ellington and his band.^[3]

Other recordings

• In Britain, the song was recorded by the duo Bob and Alf Pearson.^[4]
• A popular version was recorded by Tony Bennett for Columbia Records (No. CO44125) on July 20, 1950.^[5] Bennett also recorded the song on several more occasions.^[6] In addition it is featured on Tony Bennett album when he sings it with singer John Legend.
• In 1951 Margaret Whiting performed the song with orchestra directed by Frank DeVol (Capitol 1417 78rpm).
• Rosemary Clooney included the song on her album Swing Around Rosie (1959).
• Mel Tormé recorded for his album Comin' Home Baby! (1962).^[7]
• The song is the title track of Erin McKeown's October 24, 2006 album Sing You Sinners.

Popular culture

• Max Fleischer’s cartoon “Swing You Sinners!” (1930) from the Talkartoons series is entirely based on the modified version of this song, “Swing you Sinners”.
• The song was used in the 1955 film I'll Cry Tomorrow when it was sung and danced by Susan Hayward and the chorus. It is also heard in a medley montage by Susan Hayward (vocal) and Eddie Albert (piano).^[8]

Notes and References

1. Book: Whitburn . Joel . Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 . 1986 . Record Research Inc. . Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin . 0-89820-083-0 . 579.
2. Web site: 45worlds.com . 45worlds.com . June 4, 2020.
3. Web site: 45worlds.com . 45worlds.com . June 4, 2020.
4. Web site: 78 RPM - Bob And Alf Pearson - Sing You Sinners / If I Had a Girl Like You - Broadcast - UK - 612. 45worlds. 15 April 2019.
5. Web site: The Online Discographical Project . 78discography.com . June 4, 2020.
6. Web site: jazzdiscography.com . jazzdiscography.com . June 4, 2020.
7. Web site: www.allmusic.com. www.allmusic.com. August 7, 2024.
8. Web site: Internet Movie Database . imdb.com . June 4, 2020.