I Whistle a Happy Tune

Not to be confused with The Happy Whistler.

"I Whistle a Happy Tune"
Song
Published	1951
Songwriter(s)	Richard Rodgers Oscar Hammerstein II

"I Whistle a Happy Tune" is a show tune from the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I. It is sung by the Governess Anna Leonowens (originally played on Broadway by Gertrude Lawrence) to her son Louis after the curtain rises on Act One of the musical, to persuade him not to be afraid as they arrive in Siam to serve the King.

In the 1956 film version, it was sung by Marni Nixon (dubbing over Deborah Kerr) and Rex Thompson.^[1]

In the 1999 animated film version, it was sung by Christiane Noll, Adam Wylie, Charles Clark, Jeff Gunn, David Joyce and Larry Kenton.

Notable recordings

• Julie Andrews - included in the album Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King And I (1992).^[2]
• Max Bygraves - included in the album 100 Golden Greats (1976).^[3]
• Barbara Cook - The King and I (1960).^[4]
• Bing Crosby - recorded the song on April 9. 1951 with Victor Young and His Orchestra.^[5]
• Elaine Paige - included in the album The King and I: 2000 London Cast Recording (2000)
• Jane Powell - for her album Something Wonderful (1956).^[6]
• Dinah Shore - included in the EP Hits From "The King And I" (1952).^[7]
• Frank Sinatra - recorded March 27, 1951 for Columbia Records with Axel Stordahl and His Orchestra.^[8]
• The Starlighters - recorded for Capitol Records (catalog No. 1481) (1951).^[9]
• Andy Williams released a version of the song on his 1958 album Andy Williams Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein.
• Julie Andrews performed it alongside large Muppet monsters on an episode of The Muppet Show.
• Grover and Cookie Monster on Sesame Street (1970)

References

1. Hischak, Thomas S. (2007). The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. p. 242. ISBN 9780313341403. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
2. "Rodgers & Hammerstein - Julie Andrews, Ben Kingsley, Lea Salonga, Peabo Bryson And Marilyn Horne, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, John Mauceri - The King And I". Discogs.com. 1992. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
3. "Max Bygraves - 100 Golden Greats". Discogs.com. 1976. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
4. "Barbara Cook, Theodore Bikel, Jeanette Scovotti, Lehman Engel – The King And I (1960, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1960. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
5. "A Bing Crosby Discography". Bingmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
6. "Jane Powell With David Rose & His Orchestra - Something Wonderful". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
7. "Dinah Shore - Hello, Young Lovers". 45cat.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
8. "Frank Sinatra Discography". Jazzdiscography.com. Retrieved September 14, 2017.
9. "Starlighters: A Discography". Honkingduck.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.