The Lady is a Tramp

Album: Babes in Arms (1937)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers penned this show tune for their 1937 musical Babes In Arms, which spoofs New York high society. Originally sung in the Broadway show by former child star Mitzi Green, it has subsequently been covered by numerous stars including Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee.
  • Frank Sinatra recorded a version of the song in 1968 as a favor to Ringo Starr with revised lyrics by Sammy Cahn. He recorded it on Beatles' Apple label and its claim to fame is that it was the first song to be catalogued by the newly set-up record company. Only one copy was made and since Sinatra and the Beatles were both involved, it is among the most valuable records in the world.
  • The song featured in the Glee episode "Laryngitis," when it was performed by Noah "Puck" Puckerman and Mercedes Jones. Puck referenced it as Sammy Davis Jr's biggest hit song.
  • Tony Bennett teamed up with Lady Gaga to perform a playful version for the veteran crooner's 2011 album, Duets II.
  • Sinatra performed this in the 1957 film musical Pal Joey, in which he played nightclub singer Joey Evans, alongside bombshells Kim Novak and Rita Hayworth. The song would become part of his classic repertoire.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Lip-Synch Rebels

Lip-Synch RebelsSong Writing

What happens when Kurt Cobain, Iron Maiden and Johnny Lydon are told to lip-synch? Some hilarious "performances."

Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Kim Thayil of SoundgardenSongwriter Interviews

Their frontman (Chris Cornell) started out as their drummer, so Soundgarden takes a linear approach when it comes to songwriting. Kim explains how they do it.

The Fratellis

The FratellisSongwriter Interviews

Jon Fratelli talks about the band's third album, and the five-year break leading up to it.

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."