100 years ago: Marion Harris hit #1 with “After You’ve Gone”

After You’ve Gone Marion Harris

Writer(s): Turner Layton, Harry Creamer (see lyrics here) First Charted: January 18, 1919 Peak: 13 US, 7 GA (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.18 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: John Turner Layton, born in Washington, D.C. in 1894, was a rarity in his time – a black composer. He teamed with lyricist Harry Creamer as a vaudeville act PS and they contributed to many Broadway shows. The pair had hits with “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans” (1922) and “Dear Old Southland” (1921), PS but their greatest success came from “After You’ve Gone.” This “sultry ballad” PS has been called “one of the first meaningful torch songs.” MM It featured darker lyrics than the usual Tin Pan Alley fare of the day MM and its timeless melodic style and lyrical construct make it feel like a song which could have been written yesterday. PS From 1918 to 1937, ten different versions of this song hit the top 20. The first, a 1918 rendition by Henry Burr and Albert Campbell, peaked at #2. Billy Murray, Bessie Smith, Sophie Tucker, Paul Whiteman, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton were among the others to chart with the song. PM Because it can easily be improvised over, it has become a favorite of even modern-day jazz-oriented artists, WK being covered by Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Jamie Cullum. However, the most successful version was Marion Harris’ 1919 take which went to #1. She became widely known as the first white singer to tackle jazz and blues. From 1916 to 1930, she charted 43 songs, hitting #1 with “St. Louis Blues” (1920), “Look for the Silver Lining” (1921), and “Tea for Two” (1925). PM The song also appeared in film, including For Me and My Gal (1942), Make Mine Music (1946), Jolson Sings Again (1949), The Five Pennies (1959), the Oscar-winning film, All That Jazz (1979), PS and The Aviator (2004). Resources: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Marion Harris MM Max Morath (2002). The NPR Curious Listener’s Guide to Popular Standards. New York, NY; Penguin Putnam Inc. Page 148. PS ParlorSongs.com Lessons in America’s Popular Music History PM Joel Whitburn (1986). Pop Memories 1890-1954. Record Research, Inc: Menomonee Falls, WI. Pages 196, 467. First posted 2/1/2013; last updated 3/16/2023.