The Songs from Bing's 'Double or Nothing'

Bing Crosby's 1937 film Double or Nothing - via songsmiths Johnny Burke and Arthur Johnston - supplied four superb numbers for the singer to perform. Today's post covers Bing's commercial versions and several airchecks as well. Finally, the great Fats Waller makes an appearance.

First, about the film: let me assure you that the plot is one you have encountered many times before - Bing and accomplices must surmount a number of challenges to double their money. If they do, they get a million. If not, they get nothing. Even in the 1930s this premise was usually confined to B-pictures.

The music is much more enjoyable. In the US, the songs came out on Decca. At the top you can see the picture labels that the English Brunswick company used for its release. That's co-star Mary Carlisle with Bing. Brunswick issued a similar set for Waikiki Wedding, which you can find here and here.

The most enduring of the Double or Nothing songs is probably "The Moon Got in My Eyes." This collection has three versions - the Decca recording and Kraft Music Hall radio performances from October and November 1937. The latter two originated from transcriptions made for Bing's new music director, John Scott Trotter, who had recently joined him from Hal Kemp's band.

"The Natural Thing to Do" was the second hit of the film score, attracting many cover versions. For this set we have Crosby's Decca 78 along with a radio duet with his comic sidekick Bob Burns. It's from the first Kraft Music Hall program of the 1937-38 season and has special lyrics, probably provided by Johnny Burke. Burns had apparently been the host of the summer replacement show, and the lyrics of this version hinge on him turning the show back over to Crosby. Burns was a musician, but could not sing and seems ill at ease here.

Bob Burns and Bing

The least remembered song from the Double or Nothing quartet is "All You Want to Do Is Dance." Even so, it's a good number that Crosby does very well. The arrangement shows off the familiar Trotter sound that would complement Bing for many years to come. I haven't found an aircheck of this number.

The final song is "(You Know It All) Smarty." In addition to Bing's commercial recording, we have his radio performance from October. I've added a bonus in the form of the intensely swinging Victor recording by the inimitable Fats Waller. I wonder what the songwriters thought of his free interpretation.

All but the Waller selection are from my collection. The sound is good to excellent.

LINK

Fats Waller