[Publius]

It was very much an early 1930s phenomenon. There was a lot less of it from 1933 onwards.

[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HARRY WARREN

“HE’S NOT WORTH YOUR TEARS”

This version has the complete intro, and it’s a heartfelt take on the song. Your screen may get blurry when she resolves the minor key middle eight into the major.

Marion Harris: “He’s Not Worth Your Tears”

[left that other site]

I did a few gigs in Russian Tea Rooms back in the 60’s, and nearly all the Russian and Gypsy songs do that. It is characteristic of that music.

This was one of my faves:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5SlUmCdXf0

It’s also typical of Jewish music.