[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Publius, and thank you for Rachmaninov’s “The Star Spangled Banner”.

[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

GEORGE GERSHWIN

FOR GOODNESS SAKE

GENE KELLY & OSCAR LEVANT: “TRA-LA-LA”

This 1922 show was another revue with songs by Gershwin and others. The little ditty by George and Ira was yanked from the show during tryouts, placed in a desk drawer and pulled out 30 years later for “An American in Paris,” the 1951 MGM extravaganza directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly.

This clip from the movie shows Gene and Oscar Levant giving the song it’s world premiere.

Gene Kelly & Oscar Levant: “Tra-la-la”