The Half of It, Dearie’ Blues

“‘The Half of it, Dearie’ Blues” is a song composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was introduced by Fred Astaire and Kathlene Martyn in the 1924 musical Lady be Good.

The Half of It
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“The Half of it, Dearie” Blues

“The Half of it, Dearie” Blues is a classic song composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics written by Ira Gershwin. This iconic piece was first introduced by Fred Astaire and Kathlene Martyn in the 1924 musical Lady be Good.

Recordings

  • Fred Astaire with George Gershwin at the piano – Fred Astaire – Complete London Sessions. This groundbreaking recording took place on April 19, 1926, where Astaire incorporated a short tap-dancing section and inquired of Gershwin: “How’s that, George?” Gershwin responded affirmatively, saying, “That’s fine, Freddy, keep going.”
  • Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook (1959).

References

For more information on the song’s background and its significance in musical history, please refer to various music archives and literature focused on the works of the Gershwin brothers.