"Crazy Feet"
Words and Music - Sidney Mitchell, Con Conrad and Archie Gottler
Sung by Fred Astaire
Recorded March 26, 1930, London
Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz; May 10, 1899 June 22, 1987)
Dancing giant, singing and acting star of stage and screen for over 50 years. Generally considered most talented of dancers. Performed in smooth, elegant style, developed many intricate and innovative routines. Sang in light and sophisticated manner, adept in delivery of lyrics. A favorite of many composers for performing their songs. Co-starred with Ginger Rogers in distinguished series of popular musicals in middle and late 30s, later worked with other dancing partners. Top movie star for four decades. First professional appearance at 5 in Patterson, New Jersey. Performed in vaudeville with sister Adele in dancing act until 1916. They began Broadway career in 1917 with supporting roles but by 1921 they were headliners. The team broke up in 1932 when Adele got married, and Fred starred in his first solo role in Gay Divorce (1932), later played the same role in London. This led to movie test and contract. Played small, uneventful dancing role in "Dancing Lady" (1933), but in late 1933 movie "Flying down to Rio" joined with Ginger Rogers as dance team in secondary leads, and was instant hit. Co-starred with Miss Rogers during 1930s in eight other popular musicals which introduced many great songs. Team broke up then but reunited once in 1949 movie. During the 1940s and 1950s, he danced with Rita Hayworth, Vera-Ellen, Cyd Charisse, Audrey Hepburn and others. Also made appearances in TV in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s including two series, "It Takes a Thief" and "The Over-the-Hill Gang".
The song "Dancing Feet" was originally sung by Dixie Lee in the 1930s film, "Happy Days."
Nice montage of pictures of Fred. I still can't believe they have not issued a postage stamp of him! I have written to the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee in Washington, who essentially blew me off. Some of the pictures in this video would serve as nice poses for a stamp. Good heavens - he's been dead since 1988 - he's a legend. They need to honor him, his talent and what he did for art's sake!
HudsonValGal 1 year ago
@HudsonValGal I agree he should be honored on a US postage stamp. A quick check of Wikipedia has a list of 800 persons so honored, but only 48 were actors and 46 were singers. Fred fits in both categories!! Don't give up, he should be on the list some day.
bsgs98 1 year ago