Lady and the Tramp (1955)
directors : Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson
Fever was singer Peggy Lee’s signature song. In 1955, she got the chance to lend her voice—and her singing talents—to several roles in Disney’s animated film Lady and the Tramp. She voiced Darling, Lady’s owner, as well as Peg, the stray Pekingese with the stunning solo He’s a Tramp. She also voiced Si and Am, the mischievous Siamese cats belonging to Aunt Sarah, performing their number The Siamese Cat Song.
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Autumn Leaves (1956)
director: Robert Aldrich
The song Autumn Leaves, originally a French composition by Joseph Kosma, inspired the title of this romantic drama. The film follows Millie, a single woman who finds love later in life with a younger man, Burt. Their relationship flourishes until Millie discovers Burt’s mental health struggles, threatening their happiness. For the film, crooner Nat King Cole recorded a new version of the song.
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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
director: George Roy
In 1969, composer Burt Bacharach was asked to score a film starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Katharine Ross. His work earned him not only the Oscar for Best Original Score but also the award for Best Original Song with Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head. Interestingly, the song almost didn’t make it into the film, as Robert Redford felt it didn’t fit the western setting. Despite initial doubts, it became part of The Great American Songbook.
Arthur (1981)
director: Steve Gordon
Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) was composed by Burt Bacharach in the style of the iconic songs of the 1960s. Written for the film Arthur, it was performed by Christopher Cross as the main theme for Dudley Moore’s character. Peter Allen, Liza Minnelli’s then-husband, also contributed to the song, famously coming up with the line “When you get caught between the moon and New York City” during a delayed flight to JFK Airport.
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Amazing Grace (2018 film)
directors: Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack
Songbook favorite (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman became famous in a rendition by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The documentary Amazing Grace captures recordings of Franklin’s legendary 1972 gospel album, filmed at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Los Angeles. It offers an intimate glimpse into her life, exploring the spiritual depth of her music while also delving into the social and cultural context of the era.
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The Simpsons: Duffless (1993)
director: Jim Readon
In It Was a Very Good Year, Ervin Drake sings about the girls he dated as a teenager. The song has been covered countless times, but it’s also been humorously parodied. In the 16th episode of The Simpsons’ fourth season, Homer sings his own version, I Drank Some Very Good Beer. To the tune of the original, he reminisces about buying his first beer with a fake ID.
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