What's New Linda Ronstadt

"What's New?" is a 1939 popular song composed by Bob Haggart, with lyrics by Johnny Burke. It was originally an instrumental tune titled "I'm Free" by Haggart in 1938, when Haggart was a member of Bob Crosby And His Orchestra. The tune was written with a trumpet solo, meant to showcase the talents of band-mate Billy Butterfield. Crosby's orchestra recorded "I'm Free" the same day it was written.

The following year, the music publishers hired Johnny Burke to write lyrics for the tune. Burke's telling of the torch song is unique, using one side of a casual conversation between former lovers. Thus the song was retitled using the song's first line, "What's New?" The song was recorded with the new title in 1939 by Bob Crosby And His Orchestra With Vocalist Teddy Grace. The song reached a peak chart position of #10.

Other popular 1939 recordings of "What's New" include Hal Kemp and His Orchestra with Vocalist Nan Wynn, which peaked at #11, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra with vocalist Louise Tobin, which peaked at #7, and a recording by Bing Crosby which peaked at #7.

"I'm Free" was "lyricized" again in the 1990s, this time by Catherine O'Brien, who also provided lyrics to the Haggart tune "My Inspiration." O'Brien's version, publsihed in 1996, retains the original title, "I'm Free."

"What's New" was the title of a 1983 album by Linda Ronstadt, and was the first of three albums of recordings of standards by Linda Ronstadt singing with The Nelson Riddle Orchestra with arrangements by Riddle.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Nelson
• Riddle
• What's
• New
• Linda
• Ronstadt
• Johnny
• Burke
• Bob
• Haggart

[gumbeam]

I wasn't even aware that there was a music vedeo done for this song or any others off of any of the the three Albums. This was sweet to see this. So pretty and voice for the ages to sing these standards. Having seen her in concert in Seattle singing these she is absolutely amazing I wish she would do some more Standards. To whoever posted this, THANK YOU...

[CityRhythmPart1]

You are very welcome!

CityRhythmPart1

[kingbrotherman]

I am a fan of Nelson Riddle!! Lush arrangements float my boat BIGTIME!!

[imonthebox]

They dont write songs like this anymore, grown up, mature, insightful, romantic, heart felt.

And this is because we dont have the songwriters. Only writers turning out immature junk for the kids.

[LolaLola444]

ANY WAY!!...THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROMANTIC SONGS..

[LolaLola444]

'HANDSOME AS EVER'??..HAHAHA...IF THE GUY IS...UGLY LIKE HELL!!!!..HAHAHA

[sneeyize45]

@gumbeam Actually the video was the first time I remember hearing Linda on this tune, back when I was 20 years old in 1983. I've loved Linda's voice on this ever since. I always wanted to be the man she runs into in the rain and hands her the umbrella.

[theblueangel28]

this was the first song I ever played on my very first record player

[666KINKY999]

When I was kid I used to have in an old tape an instrumental version of "What's new" with piano and saxophone (without vocals) which was my favorite!! Does anyone know anything about this version and where I can find it??? I'd really like to have it back again!

[Lindawatcher]

@royzone12 She was the perfect woman to me!

[musiclover4evaz]

LOVE IT. <3

can anyone tell me where i can find the karaoke to it??? plz ive been searching everywhere and i cant find it!!! :((( help!! thank-you :D

[ronabbey1940]

I once owned the original Decca recording of "I'm Free". It was a great instrumental piece however the lyrics only added greater popularity to it. I played it over and over again until the record wore out. Wonder if the original is still around someplace?

[whitefam2000]

She said when she was working to record this that, she already had voice control, but couldn't get over how much more she needed in order to do the standards. Great cover of a great song.