Vernon Duke-From Russia With Love ! America has always been a melting pot taking in people early in the Twentieth Century. These immigrants have always enriched the culture of America. For example, Irving Berlin was a young boy from Rusiia who landed on Ellis Island. For almost 90 years he provided a treasure trove of songs from theatrical shows and films as well as hundreds of individual songs. He was self taught , poorly educated and yet he was able to write both the words and music to so many songs still cherished by people all around the world.
Vernon Duke was also a Russian emigre to the US. But, unlike Berlin, he was classically trained and wrote symphonies, ballet scores, musical theatres songs and immersed himself in the best traditions of the song repertoire to which this blog is dedicated. April in Paris, I Can't Get Started, I Like the Likes of You, and What is There to Say are just a few of his creations. George Gershwin suggested that he change his name form Vladimir Dukelsky to Vernon Duke so it would sound more American. During World War 11, he even wrote songs for Sid Caesar in a US Navy revue called " Tars and Spars.
Perhaps his most famous song immortalized by Frank Sinatra and others is Autumn in New York. The song highlights the glamour and sophistication of New York, a tribute to the energy and creativity of that great city. Duke even wrote the worldly lyrics showing a mastery of English to match his marvellous musical talents.
I offer a version by Dawn Upshaw , a classically trained American singer who can sing popular music from the Great American Songbook as the video amply demonstrates. In addition, there are some beautiful images of New York to accompany the performance. The lengthy verse at the beginning sets up the rest of the piece which is Duke's hymn to Manhattan.
PERFORMANCE LINK: http://youtu.be/qRBllJt7rNQ
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