Let's Dance (Benny Goodman song)

"Let's Dance" is a jazz standard, an instrumental, used by Benny Goodman as his opening theme for over 50 years.

"Let's Dance"
Single by Benny Goodman
B-side"Boy Meets Horn"
Released1939
Recorded1934-35 ff. (broadcast recordings). October 24, 1939 (Columbia studio recording)
GenreSwing
Length2:31
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Gregory Stone, Joseph Bonine

Background edit

"Let's Dance" was adapted from the piece Invitation to the Dance by Carl Maria von Weber, and given the name of the radio program Benny Goodman performed on from 1934-1935, Let's Dance. Goodman used "Let's Dance" as an opening for almost all of his performances, eventually becoming his official theme song.[1] The song was composed by Gregory Stone and Joseph Bonime, with lyrics written by Fanny May Baldridge. Goodman never recorded the theme with the lyrics, although The Modernaires recorded it in a tribute to him in 1954.[2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Benny Goodman | Biography, Songs, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. 9 June 2023.
  2. ^ "The Modernaires, George Gates - A Tribute To The Benny Goodman". Discogs.