Apr 4: Yip Harburg

A dozen or so years ago, the Lake City Playhouse in Coeur d'Alene had a summer season. One of the shows performed was The Big Broadcast, a show featuring songs and skits from the golden age of radio. I was lucky enough to be in the ensemble cast, going through American history as it was told to families gathered around their large living room radio set. At one point we danced on the stage singing "The Best Things In Life Are Free," then as we faded the chorus, I sat down quietly in a rocking chair and started in on, "Once I built a railroad, made it run, made it race against time. Once I built a railroad, now it's done... Buddy, can you spare a dime?" It was one of the most moving songs in the entire show, all because of Yip Harburg's vivid imagery. He tapped into the hidden American psyche of the time, yet created a timeless call to social justice. This song has been recorded by everyone from Spokane son Bing Crosby to pop icon Barbra Streisand, and it's still used to give voice to the voiceless. Yip Harburg's work is example that it IS possible to create entertainment while staying true to one's beliefs and sending a message.

Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? sung by the lyricist
April in Paris (from Walk a Little Faster) - Dawn Upshaw Sings Vernon Duke
Fun To Be Fooled - Bea Arthur On Broadway: Just Between Friends
You're A Builder Upper - Ethel Merman, You're The Top
Only a Paper Moon - Cliff Edwards
I Love To Sing-A (from The Singing Kid) - Al Jolson At Warner Bros. 1926-1936
Down With Love - Audra McDonald on The Leading Ladies
Over The Rainbow - RSC Stage production of The Wizard Of OZ
If I Only Had A Brain, Heart, the Nerve/Off to See the Wizard - special edit compiled from The Wizard Of OZ film soundtrack
The Jitterbug (cut from the film) - The Wizard Of OZ
Ain' It The Truth (outtake) - Louis Armstrong, Cabin in the Sky
The Eagle And Me - Dooley Wilson, Bloomer Girl
When The Idle Poor Become The Idle Rich - Melissa Errico, Finian's Rainbow (Irish Repertory 2004)
Here's to Your Illusions - Barbara Cook, Flahooley
Little Drops Of Rain (Gay Purr-ee) - Judy Garland In Hollywood: Her Greatest Movie Hits
Look To The Rainbow - Melissa Errico, Finian's Rainbow (Irish Repertory 2004)