"EASTER PARADE" is a timeless classic in the realm of popular music, crafted by the legendary Irving Berlin and officially released in 1933. The melody originally took shape in 1917 under the title "Smile and Show Your Dimple." Berlin penned this piece as a heartening anthem for a young girl who was heartbroken over her lover's departure to the battlefields of World War I. In 1918, Sam Ash's rendition of "Smile and Show Your Dimple" achieved modest success. Subsequently, Berlin revisited and refined the melody, infusing it with lyrics that captured the essence of Easter. This reimagined version was then featured in the 1933 Broadway musical As Thousands Cheer. In this musical, a rich tapestry of songs was woven together around the theme of newspaper headlines, and "EASTER PARADE" made its debut performance, sung by Marilyn Miller and Clifton Webb.
Much like many of Berlin's compositions, "EASTER PARADE" has graced the screens of numerous films over the years. In 1938, Don Ameche lent his voice to the song in the film Alexander's Ragtime Band, a movie loosely based on Irving Berlin's life story. In 1942, Bing Crosby delivered a memorable performance of the song in the musical film Holiday Inn. However, the most iconic interpretation is perhaps the one by Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in the 1948 musical film of the same name, Easter Parade. This film was ingeniously structured around the song, bringing its charm and allure to a wider audience. Additionally, in 1976, "EASTER PARADE" made an appearance in the Rankin/Bass special The First Easter Rabbit.
The song has been covered by a plethora of renowned artists, each adding their unique flavor to this beloved tune. Notable renditions include those by Leo Reisman and Clifton Webb (1933), Bing Crosby (recorded on June 1, 1942), Harry James (1942), Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians (1947), and Liberace (1954), all of which have contributed to the song's enduring popularity.
Lyrically, "EASTER PARADE" paints a vivid and joyous picture of the Easter procession. The lyrics sing, "I've never seen you looking quite like this before, I've never seen you dressed quite so beautiful, For Easter Day is drawing near, and every Sunday's fine, But Easter Sunday is the day we'll find, That you're in the pink!" It continues, "My heart beats so joyfully, You'll be the grandest lady in the Easter Parade, I'll be all in clover and when they look you over, I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter Parade." These words beautifully capture the anticipation and excitement of people dressing up for the Easter celebration, as well as the sweet affection between lovers.
With its infectious melody and lyrics brimming with festive spirit, "EASTER PARADE" has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Easter - related music. Despite the passage of time, it continues to be cherished and sung, evoking beautiful imagery and a sense of joy associated with Easter. More than just a song, it serves as a cultural touchstone, carrying with it profound emotional resonance and a rich tapestry of memories, shining brightly as a precious gem in the vast landscape of music history.
