The Umbrella Man (song)

"The Umbrella Man" (often popularly referred to as Any Umbrellas?) is a British song written by James Cavanaugh, Larry Stock and Vincent Rose. It was first published in 1924[citation needed] and first performed live by the comedy double act Flanagan and Allen in 1939[1] in the musical revue These Foolish Things.[2] It became one of their standards along with “Hometown” and “Underneath the Arches”. It is used in Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective (1986) and the TV adaptation of John le Carré's A Perfect Spy (1987).

Popular recordings in the United States in 1939 were made by Kay Kyser & His Orchestra (vocals by Ginny Simms & Harry Babbitt) and by the Johnny Messner Music Box Band (vocal by The Three Jacks).[3]

Chart information

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Billboard magazine, issue dated January 28, 1939: Sheet-Music Leaders chart for week ending January 21, 1939: Umbrella Man charted at number 1.[4]

Other recordings

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References

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  1. ^ Chambers p. 279
  2. ^ "Flanagan and Allen : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 600. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
  4. ^ "Billboard" (PDF). 1939-01-28. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  5. ^ "Ambrose : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  6. ^ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  7. ^ "Gracie Fields And Tommy Fields : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  8. ^ "DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 2000 - 2500". 78discography.com. Retrieved 14 March 2022.

Bibliography

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  • Chambers, Colin (ed.) The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre. A&C Black, 2006.