The Essential Fred Astaire

Performer: Fred Astaire
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel includes: Fred Astaire (vocals); Johnny Green And His Orchestra, Adele Astaire. Compilation producer: Nedra Olds-Neal. Recorded between 1926 & 1956. Includes liner notes by Andrew Velez. This is part of Columbia's The Essential Collection series. Personnel: George Gershwin (piano). Liner Note Author: Andrew Velez. Unknown Contributor Roles: Adolph Deutsch & The MGM Studio Orchestra; Johnny Green & His Orchestra; Leo Reisman & His Orchestra; Ray Noble & His Orchestra. Known for his footwork more than his vocal ability, Fred Astaire nonetheless possessed a warm tenor and straight, charming delivery that evoked an iconic motion picture presence for millions. As an actor, choreographer, and brilliant dancer (borrowing from tap, ballet, and ballroom dancing, he invented his own dazzling and elegant form), Astaire delighted audiences throughout the 1930s, '40s and '50s with his performances. Astaire's singing was a crucial part of this package, and this collection brings together some of his finest recordings of the American songbook. Featuring compositions by the likes of Gershwin, Berlin, and Kern--many of whom wrote their songs specifically with Astaire's voice in mind--THE ESSENTIAL FRED ASTAIRE features, in many cases, the first recordings of these tunes. Though his versions have been eclipsed by Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Billy Holiday, and others, Astaire's treatments of "Night and Day," "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and "A Foggy Day" are characterized by rhythmic precision and a smooth, spirited style. The rest of the disc--"Cheek to Cheek," "Funny Face," "Puttin' on the Ritz," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," etc.--plays like a time capsule of a bygone era, and stands a testament to one of cinema's greatest performers.

From the 1920s, when he was half of a popular vaudeville trio with his sister, Adele, until his 1987 death, Fred Astaire was one of the most beloved stars in the world. A gifted comic actor whose light, mellifluous voice would have made him a star even without his incomparable dancing ability, Astaire was a star of Broadway and Hollywood for decades (often with his iconic dancing partner Ginger Rogers), introducing such standards as "Cheek To Cheek" and "Puttin' On The Ritz" to the Great American Songbook.

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