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The song “Tonight You Belong to Me” was written in 1926 by Billy Rose and Lee David. Gene Austin made the song a hit a year later, and it was brought back to prominence in the 1950’s by various acts (Frankie Laine and The Lennon Sisters among them). At just over two minutes, it’s short and sweet — and surprisingly easy to sing. Most of us know it today because of a famous rendition from the movie The Jerk, which features Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters performing the song on a beach. (Peters rocks a mean cornet solo, too.)
“Tonight You Belong to Me” is a perennial cover, often performed to close concerts. For your viewing enjoyment this winter morning, I’ve dug up a few great covers of the tune. At the end of the post, I’ve linked to a video showing you how to play the song on ukelele. But first here’s John Hodgman, Jonathan Coulton, and The Long Winters performing live in Portland on November 8, 2008:
Fiona Apple and Jon Brion (plus some members of Nickel Creek):
Eddie Vedder duets with Janet Weiss at Sleater Kinney’s final performance in 2006:
Josh Ritter and Erin McKeown in 2004:
Trashcan Sinatras in 2003:
Lawrence Welk Show featuring The Lennon Sisters (1956):
The version from The Jerk with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters:
Got a uke handy? Learn the chords using this handy video.
kiss at the end of the rainbow from a mighty wind.
posted by waderb on 11-18-2008 at 1:09 pm
ukeamillion.tumblr.com/post/27988155/i-dont-even-have-very-many-words-to-do-this
posted by cary on 11-18-2008 at 1:35 pm
Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters FTW!
posted by Pattie on 11-18-2008 at 1:41 pm
I love Trashcan Sinatras! Thanks for including them in the rundown!
posted by nikki on 11-18-2008 at 3:29 pm
The first one was cute and funny. Thanks for showing this. This song sounds right up Steve Martin’s alley, too. Sweet and sincere, with potential for silliness :) Made my day
posted by heather on 11-18-2008 at 5:45 pm
How could you forget the 1950’s chart-topping rendition? I always thought it was THE essential recording of the song.
‘The sister duo Patience and Prudence reached the Top Ten in 1956 with a fluke hit, the ghostly “Tonight You Belong to Me.” Patience and Prudence McIntyre reportedly learned the song while at summer camp in 1955 (when they were nine and 12, respectively). …Patience and Prudence signed to Liberty and recut the song with overdubs to strengthen their ethereal vocals, then watched as the record soared to number four nationally (with several cover versions eventually coming along).’
— quote from Allmusic Guide
Truth is, It’s the only version I can recall. I must have been 12 at the time. Go to YOUTUBE to hear it and watch the accompanying, heartwarming photo montage. Sweet, indeed.
posted by Jeff R. on 11-18-2008 at 7:37 pm
What’s with the first two commenters? Is that spam?
In any case - love the Fiona Apple version. Her voice is stunning! Really enjoyed the scene from The Jerk too (must go rent that agin!).
posted by Dawn on 11-19-2008 at 4:00 am
Beautiful song! Thanks!
posted by s on 11-19-2008 at 11:43 am
The first two? Hah!
Pattie: FTW??? Is that supposed to be complimentary or insulting?
I don’ geddit.
posted by BassMan on 11-19-2008 at 12:11 pm
This song is great, I love it (especially the version from The Jerk; it’s the song that made me want to learn to play the uke). However, it is about two ex-lovers cheating on their new partners, is it not?
“I know you belong to somebody new, but tonight, you belong to me.”
posted by AnotherFascist on 11-19-2008 at 1:05 pm
Saw this referenced on John Hodgman’s blog. Very cool.
posted by Sandra on 11-19-2008 at 1:59 pm
BassMan - FTW means “For The Win,” thus it’s a compliment.
posted by Chris Higgins on 11-19-2008 at 4:42 pm