According to John Mueller: "Constructed sparsely in a kind of theme and variations form (ABA'A") it is particularly notable for the appealing way the strains link up – especially for the poised and dramatic transitions between the A' and A" strains".[1]
Mercer recalled working with the older Kern, and how Kern reacted to the lyrics for "I'm Old Fashioned":[3]
We hit it off right away. I was in such awe of him, I think he must have sensed that. He was very kind to me, treated me more like a son than a collaborator. And when he thought I had a great lyric he said, "Eva, Eva, come down here", and he kissed me on the cheek and he said, "Eva, I want you to hear this lyric". Well, of course I was thrilled that he liked it that much, you know. "I'm Old Fashioned", that one was.
First recordings
The first recording was made in 1942 by Astaire with John Scott Trotter and his orchestra (Decca 18490).[4]
Since the 1980s by artists like Maria João, Stacey Kent, and Victoria Williams. It was part of the crossover attempt by classical soprano Eileen Farrell in 1960 with her album I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues. Jessye Norman followed her example in 1984 (With a Song in My Heart).
Popular culture
This song was chosen by Jerome Robbins as the centerpiece to his ballet of the same name, created by him for the New York City Ballet in 1983, as a tribute to Astaire. Part of the original film sequence was projected above the corps de ballet.
