Richard Rodgers (Born 28th June, 1902)

[john poole]

Richard Charles Rodgers - born 28th June, 1902 (New York City) [died 31st December, 1979] - songwriter in partnership with lyricists Lorenz Hart or Oscar Hammerstein.

'Blue Moon', one of his most recorded songs, had three previous lyrics written by Hart; the first two were unused on the films they had been submitted to, - the third 'The Bad in Every Man' appeared in the 1934 film "Manhattan Melodrama" sung by Shirley Ross (stretched into widescreen here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3t0cBC6g5U

Countless versions of 'Blue Moon' to choose from - Elvis' Sun recording in 1954 (unissued until his first RCA LP in 1956) is one of his very best recordings I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiY5auB3OWg

I'm not sure what Rodgers & Hart made of the Marcels' version - here live in 1999 with four of the original members who had recorded the song in 1961 (The original second tenor Gene Bricker passed away in the 80s)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVGMmM2XjiY

[NormanD]

'Blue Moon', one of his most recorded songs, had three previous lyrics written by Hart; the first two were unused on the films they had been submitted to, - the third 'The Bad in Every Man' appeared in the 1934 film "Manhattan Melodrama" sung by Shirley Ross (stretched into widescreen here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3t0cBC6g5U

Great to hear the 'alternate' lyrics, and more so when performed in mythical movie clubland:
- table lamp (check)
- squared tablecloth (check)
- cigarette girl (where was she?)