Tunes on Tuesday: What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

Why this tune?

If this were a normal year, many of my fellow musicians would be preparing for New Year’s Eve gigs, which might include the Frank Loesser classic “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” It’s been a seasonal hit since Loesser wrote it in 1947, with popular recordings by the Orioles in 1949 and Nancy Wilson in 1965, among many others. It also shows up on holiday albums by singers from all parts of the music world.

Dig this detail!

The Wikipedia entry for the song quotes Loesser’s daughter Susan, who recalls that her dad was annoyed when the song was played during the holidays. The story he wrote in the lyrics starts much earlier in the year, when the singer, madly in love, is hoping to make long term plans with the object of his affection, even though “it’s much too early in the game.” Maybe we need more songs about New Year’s Eve!

Best wishes for a happier and healthier New Year.