Gertrude Lawrence sings Gershwin "DO-DO-DO" (1926)

DO-DO-DO
sung by Gertrude Lawrence
From the Broadway Musical "Oh Kay"
Music by George Gershwin
Words by Ira Gershwin
Piano accompaniment by Tom Waring
Recorded October 29, 1926

Gertrude Lawrence was born July 4, 1898 in London, England. She died September 6, 1952 in New York, NY. Singing star of Broadway musicals after performing in English music halls and theatres. Talented singer, dancer and actress; glamorous, vital, extravagant personality. As youngster entertained in English pubs and music halls, eventually worked as a chorus girl and understudy to Beatrice Lillie in London show. Broadway debut in Andre Charlot "Revue of 1924" and "Revue of 1925". Both shows from England with English casts. Starred in important musical "Oh, Kay!" (1926). Top New York spots 1927 including Paramount Theatre. Starred in "Treasure Girl" (1928), in play, "Candlelight" (1929) and musical "International Revue" (1930). Co-starred with playwright, Noel Coward in important play, "Private Lives" (1931), later in "Tonight at 8:30" (1936);. Later plays included "Susan and God" (1937), "Skylark" (1939), "Pygmalion" revival (1945), "Tonight at 8:30" revival (1948). Biggest roles in Broadway musicals"Lady in the Dark" (1941) and "The King and I" (1951). In movies "Battle of Paris" (1929), "No Funny Business" (1933), "Rembrandt and Mimi" (1936), "Men Are Not Gods" (1937), "The Glass Menagerie" (1950). During World War II entertained troops in U.S. and abroad. 1968 movie "Star!" based on Lawrence life; Julie Andrews in title role.

"Do-Do-Do"
This is an echo of a memorable moment in musical theatre -- the moment in which Gertrude Lawrence, appearing in her first American production ("Oh, Kay" -- November 8, 1926, sang "Do-Do-Do", a duet with Oscar Shaw. In this "original cast" recording Shaw is absent, and so is the pit orchestra. But what is here in blessed measure is the inenarrable presence of Gertrude Lawrence with her enchanting mixture of pretty wickedness and comedy charm, high art and high artiface. She had made her Broadway debut in a London Import, "Andre Charlot's Review of 1924." It was the beginning of her distinguished career in America, a career that grew in depth and glamour season by season. "Do-Do-Do" was recorded eleven days before "Oh, Kay" opened at the Imperial Theatre and was released in February 1927. The song was a hit when it first appeared and Victor did not release another performance of it that year, possibly because it was banned from the radio. The words spin around "that wonderful kiss," a point that got lost on the "grundies." The Gershwins' tempo marking should have settled that matter. It read: "Gracefully" -- as it is sung by Miss Lawrence.
Notes by James T. Maher