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The Ziegfeld Follies: A History in Song

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The Ziegfeld Follies was a Broadway revue that ran for over two decades, from 1907 to 1931. The show was known for its elaborate sets, costumes, and chorus girls, as well as its star-studded cast. In this article, we will take a look at the history of the Ziegfeld Follies through the songs that were performed in the show.

The Ziegfeld Follies: A History in Song

by James Otis Smith

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	368 pages

The Early Years

The Ziegfeld Follies was created by Florenz Ziegfeld, a Broadway producer who was known for his lavish productions. The first Follies revue opened in 1907, and it was an immediate success. The show featured a cast of beautiful chorus girls, as well as a number of popular vaudeville performers. The Follies quickly became one of the most popular shows on Broadway, and it helped to make Ziegfeld one of the most successful producers in the theater world.

Some of the most popular songs from the early years of the Follies include "Hello, Frisco, Hello" (1915),"A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" (1919),and "My Man" (1922). These songs were all written by Irving Berlin, who was one of the most popular songwriters of the early 20th century. Berlin's songs helped to make the Follies a must-see for theatergoers, and they continue to be popular today.

The Golden Age

The 1920s was the golden age of the Ziegfeld Follies. During this time, the show featured a star-studded cast that included some of the biggest names in entertainment, such as Fanny Brice, W.C. Fields, and Will Rogers. The Follies also became known for its elaborate sets and costumes, which were designed by some of the most talented artists of the day.

Some of the most popular songs from the golden age of the Follies include "The Sheik of Araby" (1921),"I'm Just Wild About Harry" (1921),and "Button Up Your Overcoat" (1922). These songs were all written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, who were one of the most successful songwriting teams of the 1920s. Warren and Dubin's songs helped to make the Follies one of the most popular shows on Broadway, and they continue to be popular today.

The Decline

The Ziegfeld Follies began to decline in popularity in the late 1920s. The show was no longer able to compete with the new wave of musical comedies that were being produced on Broadway. The Follies also suffered from the death of Florenz Ziegfeld in 1932. After Ziegfeld's death, the Follies was produced by a number of different producers, but it never regained its former glory.

The last Ziegfeld Follies revue was produced in 1931. The show was a critical and commercial failure, and it marked the end of an era in Broadway history. However, the songs from the Follies continue to be popular today, and they are a reminder of the show's golden age.

The Legacy of the Ziegfeld Follies

The Ziegfeld Follies was one of the most popular and successful shows in Broadway history. The show helped to launch the careers of many of the biggest stars of the early 20th century, and it introduced some of the most popular songs of the era. The Follies also helped to shape the American musical theater, and its legacy continues to this day.

Here are some of the most famous songs from the Ziegfeld Follies:

"Hello, Frisco, Hello" (1915)
"A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" (1919)
"My Man" (1922)
"The Sheik of Araby" (1921)
"I'm Just Wild About Harry" (1921)
"Button Up Your Overcoat" (1922)

These songs are just a small sample of the many great songs that were performed in the Ziegfeld Follies. The show was a true showcase for American musical theater, and its legacy continues to inspire performers and audiences today.

The Ziegfeld Follies: A History in Song

by James Otis Smith

5 out of 5