Helen Morgan - "Body and Soul" (1930)

"Body and Soul"
Words and Music by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton and John Green
Performed by Helen Morgan
with orchestra conducted by Leonard Joy
Recorded September 12, 1930, New York

Helen Morgan (1900 - 1941) was born in Danville, Illinois. She worked for a while in mail order houses and in other mercantile establishments before trying her hand at show business. Her first experiences with the stage were without any particular distinction and to make something happen she entered a beauty contest and won it. The contest was won in Canada and those in the Dominion to whom it mattered much were somewhat chagrined when her birthplace was revealed. That didn't matter to Miss Morgan; all that mattered was that she'd had her first break.

By the early 1920s she had firmly established her reputation as a top-flight night-club singer, both in America and abroad. In Europe, at a Command Performance before the Duke of Windsor (then the Prince of Wales), a member of the Royal household approached her and warned her not to sing any vulgar songs. She replied, "If I did, you'd have to teach them to me." Returning to the States after that triumphant European jaunt, Miss Morgan appeared in "Show Boat", the Ferber-Kern masterpiece which was to become her most successful and famous venture.

Until her untimely death at the age of forty-one, Helen Morgan graced many Broadway shows, radio programs and Hollywood films.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Helen
• Morgan
• Body and Soul
• 1930
• 78rpm
• torch
• song
• Victor
• 27683-A
• Leonard
• Joy
• jazz
• standard
• sentimental
• Three's a Crowd

[heinbanjo12]

Very interesting. i know this song of course, The jazz standard. But this version is new to me. Thanks Hein

[bsgs98]

@heinbanjo12 The jazz standard we are familiar with today usually omits the verse. This is the original 1930 version, also recorded by Ruth Etting, Annette Hanshaw and Libby Holman.

[Broblem12]

Wonderful. What an amazing voice and timeless performance. Loved the slide show. Masterfully arranged. Her smiling at the end was perfect. Thank you!!

[operamichael]

Beautiful, sweet, sad Helen.

[irishsetterarchie]

Thank you for posting this! Helen was such a classic beauty and very talented indeed. What a wonderful time this must have been. Just look at the lovely way she dressed and the hairstyles and makeup. Everything flattered her and made her look even more beautiful. Helen Morgan should be unforgettable.

[ThePeaceableKingdom]

Whiteman, Etting, Hanshaw, Holman... a nod to its life as a jazz standard (Allen, Coleman, Holiday, Goodman... as well as somebody who recorded it yesterday)... There's nothing I can add so I'll shut up, close my eyes (after watching the slideshow), and listen to a great version of a great song...

[Robertgrade]

Morgan was one of the most heartfelg singers.

[Robertgrade]

Who could have Morgans's soul? She was sensational, and if she's out of fashion. she's still the greatest.

[sbd403]

I like this version, too!:)

[heinbanjo12]

@bsgs98 I did already know the Whiteman version with verse. But Helen Morgan was new for me Thank you for uploading. Hein