"The Umbrella Man" (often popularly referred to as Any Umbrellas?) is a British song written by James Cavanaugh, Larry Stock and Vincent Rose. It was first published in 1924[ citation needed] and first performed live by the comedy double act Flanagan and Allen in 1939 [1] in the musical revue These Foolish Things. [2] It became one of their standards along with “Hometown” and “ Underneath the Arches”. It is used in Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective (1986) and the TV adaptation of John le Carré's A Perfect Spy (1987).
Popular recordings in the United States in 1939 were made by Kay Kyser & His Orchestra (vocals by Ginny Simms & Harry Babbitt) and by the Johnny Messner Music Box Band (vocal by The Three Jacks). [3]
Chart information
Billboard magazine, issue dated January 28, 1939: Sheet-Music Leaders chart for week ending January 21, 1939: Umbrella Man charted at number 1. [4]
Other recordings
- Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra (1938)
- Ambrose & His Orchestra (vocal by Denny Dennis) (1939). [5]
- Connee Boswell – recorded January 10, 1939 for Decca Records (catalog No. 2258A). [6]
- Gracie Fields & Tommy Fields – recorded February 17, 1938 for Regal Zonophone Records (catalog No. MR-2996). [7]
- Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians (Decca 2221) [8]
References
- ^ Chambers p. 279
- ^ "Flanagan and Allen : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 600. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
- ^ "Billboard" (PDF). 1939-01-28. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
- ^ "Ambrose : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
- ^ "The Online Discographical Project". 78discography.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
- ^ "Gracie Fields And Tommy Fields : The Umbrella Man". 45worlds.com. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
- ^ "DECCA (USA) 78rpm numerical listing discography: 2000 - 2500". 78discography.com. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
Bibliography
- Chambers, Colin (ed.) The Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre. A&C Black, 2006.