Autumn In New York

Today marks the 108th birthday of the Russian born, American songwriter & theatre composer Vernon Duke. He wrote his own lyrics but also collaborated with: Johnny Mercer, Ira Gershwin, Ogden Nash & Sammy Cahn.  His songs have been performed & recorded by almost everyone in popular music: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitgerald, Tommy Dorsey, Blossom Dearie, Glenn Miller, Dawn Upshaw & Barbra Streisand.


Duke wrote ballets, symphonies, concertos, Broadway musicals, including several editions of The Ziegfeld Follies & Cabin In The Sky, plus songs & scores for films. His works include: April in Paris, I Like the Likes of You, Water Under the Bridge, I Can't Get Started (which I covered in my act). He had a string of hits from 1930-1960. 


My favorite is Autumn In New York, the song & the experience. The lyrics are by Yip Harberg who wrote the lyrics to The Wizard Of Oz.If you have not been to NYC in October, I can't recommend it enough. But, avoid the film- Autumn In New York (2000) with Richard Gere & Winona Ryder.

Autumn in New York

Why does it seem so inviting?

Autumn in New York

It spells the thrill of first-nighting

Shimmering clouds & glimmering crowds

In canyons of steel

They're making me feel

I'm home

It's autumn in New York

That brings the promise of new love

Autumn in New York

Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands

They sigh for exotic lands

But It's autumn in New York

It's good to live it again

This autumn in New York

Transforms the slums into Mayfair

Autumn in New York

You'll need no castles in Spain

Lovers that bless the dark

On benches in Central Park

But It's autumn in New York

It's good to live it again

Vernon Duke

1934