If You Knew Susie

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"If You Knew Susie" is the title of a popular song written by Buddy DeSylva [1] and Joseph Meyer. [2] It was published by Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. in 1925. The sheet music included ukulele tabs by Richard Konter. [3] In the largely comic song, a man sings that he knows a certain woman named Susie to be much wilder and more passionate than most people realize.

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The song, which was originally written for Al Jolson, became Eddie Cantor's best-known success of the 1920s, recorded on April 6, 1925 [4] and the bestseller for five weeks during the year. [5] Years later, Jolson told Cantor "If I knew it was that good, you dog, I'd never have given it to you!". [6]

References

  1. "Composers-Lyricists Database, Biography: Buddy DeSylva". Archived from the original on 2008-02-28. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  2. "Composers-Lyricists Database, Biography: Joseph Meyer". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  3. Bartram, Larry; Boak, Dick (2018). A Stowaway Ukulele Revealed. Hal Leonard Books. p. 32. ISBN   9781495099489.
  4. CD liner notes: Sony Music 100 years: Soundtrack for a Century: Pop Music: The Early Years 1890 - 1950, Columbia, Epic, Legacy, 1999
  5. CD liner notes: Chart-Toppers of the Twenties, 1998 ASV Ltd.
  6. "Al Jolson Biography - Part III". www.musicals101.com. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  7. Eastman School of Music - University of Rochester - Sibley Music Library: John J. Serry Sr. Collection "John Serry Sextette" Audio recording for RCA Thesaurus of arrangements and performances by John Serry at the RCA Victor Studios in 1954 p. 18-19 The John J. Serry Sr. Collection archived at the University of Rochester
  8. Eastman School of Music - University of Rochester - Sibley Music Library: John J. Serry Sr. Collection "John Serry Sextette" audio recording for RCA Thesaurus of arrangements and performances by John Serry at the RCA Victor Sudios in 1954 p. 18 The John J. Serry Sr. Collection archived at the University of Rochester