The simple tune is memorable and was later reinterpreted by many different artists, two key marks of a hit song. ![]() In his book The Gershwin Style, Wayne Schneider writes, “Of all Gershwin’s songs, none is more transparent and skeletal than ‘’S Wonderful’.” Schneider is specifically referring to George’s “bare-boned” music the melody doesn’t stray beyond an octave, and the music features a multitude of repeated phrases and rests. “’S Wonderful” was later sung by Fred in the musical’s 1957 film adaptation co-starring Audrey Hepburn.Īlthough Ira’s masterful lyrics are the subject of this post, let’s first take a brief look at George’s music. Their casting and just four songs-including “’S Wonderful”-were the only aspects retained when Smarty reopened as Funny Face following a month of revisions. Both Smarty and Funny Face featured the brother-sister duo Fred and Adele Astaire. ![]() ![]() The successful show was actually based on a failed Gershwin musical titled Smarty, which opened in out-of-town previews in 1927 and was promptly canceled due to bad reviews. “’S Wonderful” made its debut in the musical Funny Face, which opened at the Alvin Theater on Broadway on November 22, 1927, and ran for 244 performances. ![]() George and Ira Gershwin wrote countless songs, but few are quite as iconic as “’S Wonderful.” In today’s installment of “What Makes a Hit,” we will explore how Ira’s use of American slang ensured this tune’s enduring popularity.
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