Jimmy McHugh’s “On The Sunny Side of the Street” | Stories of Standards

Composed in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, “On the Sunny Side of the Street” was introduced in the Broadway musical Lew Leslie’s International Revue starring Harry Richman and Gertrude Lawrence. 

This jazz standard has been covered as an instrumental version with numerous jazz greats including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Lester Young. 

Leading vocalists covering the song include Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. The best known arrangement is said to be the 1945 recording by Tommy Dorsey and the Sentimentals. 

Tune in to First Take with Chavis and Lando - weekdays from 6-9 am MST – for Stories of Standards to hear our favorite versions of this song all week long!