Should I? (song)

"Should I?" is a song with music by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Arthur Freed, first published in 1929. It was originally written for the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film Lord Byron of Broadway (1930), where it was introduced by singer and actor Charles Kaley.[2] The song became a major hit, charting at number 3 on Billboard for 11 weeks in 1930.[3]

"Should I?"
Song by Arden–Ohman Orchestra
Published1929 by Robbins Music Corp.
RecordedJuly 29, 1929 (1929-07-29)[1]
Genre
Length3:15
LabelVictor 53960
Composer(s)Nacio Herb Brown
Lyricist(s)Arthur Freed

Background

The first recording of "Should I?" was on July 29, 1929, by Arden–Ohman Orchestra with Scrappy Lambert providing vocals.[1]

In 1931, the song was recorded in Polish by Henryk Wars' Vocal Group under the title "Ja wiem o twej miłości" (eng. "I Know About Your Love"). The translation was made by Andrzej Włast.[4]

Re-arranged by Conrad Salinger, Wally Heglin and Skip Martin, "Should I?" appeared in the musical film Singin' in the Rain (1952).[5] Under the musical direction of Lennie Hayton, it was briefly sung by character actor Wilson Wood parodying Rudy Vallee during the "Beautiful Girl Montage" segment.[6]

Notable recordings
Date Main recording artist Vocalist Notes Ref.
July 29, 1929Arden–Ohman OrchestraScrappy LambertLambert credited as "Burt Lorin".[1]
October 10, 1929The HarmoniansTom Frawley[1]
October 18, 1929Paul Whiteman and his OrchestraJack Fulton[1]
November 17, 1929Jesse Stafford and his OrchestraJesse Stafford[1]
December 5, 1929Frank Munn and his OrchestraFrank MunnCredited as "Paul Oliver".[1]
December 23, 1929Phil Spitalny and his OrchestrainstrumentalCredited as "Hotel Pennsylvania Music".[1]
December 24, 1929Charles Kaley Featured in Lord Byron of Broadway.[1]
January 15, 1930Jack Miller and the New EnglandersJack Miller[1]
February 18, 1930Jimmie Noone's Apex Club OrchestraJimmie Noone[1]
February 20, 1930The Rondoliers[1]
February 28, 1930Seger EllisFeaturing Tommy Dorsey and Eddie Lang.[1]
c. 1931Chór Henryka WarsaPolish version "Ja wiem o twej miłości".[4]
October 20, 1947André PrevininstrumentalFeaturing Al Viola and Jackie Mills.[1]
April 24, 1950Frank Sinatra Released on the Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra album.[7]
c. 1951Lennie Hayton[5]Wilson WoodSoundtrack recording for Singin' in the Rain and part of the "Beautiful Girl Montage" medley.[6][8]
September 19, 1956Nat King Cole Recording included on From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 3) compilation album.[9]

Charts

Weekly charts
Chart (1930) Peak
position
US Billboard[3] 3

References
  1. "Nacio Herb Brown – Discography of American Historical Recordings".
  2. Whitburn, Joel (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 104. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
  3. "Songs from the Year 1930". tsort.info. Retrieved 2023-05-29.
  4. "Ja wiem o twej miłości". Stare Melodie. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  5. "Full credits of Singin' in the Rain – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  6. "Wilson Wood – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  7. Should I? at AllMusic
  8. "Soundtracks for Singin' in the Rain – Internet Movie Database". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
  9. "Nat King Cole With Nelson Riddle's Orchestra – Recording History". imdb.com. Retrieved 2023-06-17.
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