Harry’s Tunes – Dad’s Favorite Melodies – Book One

Our Dad, Harry Benjamin Rosenberg was born in Winnipeg in November, 1926 and died last week in Toronto (May 15th, 2016), at the age of 89. Dad was not musical per se, but he loved music and was a great dancer. His tastes ranged from 19th century tunes, to musicals, and classics of the swing era. We remember Dad through the songs he liked, and are sharing some of them here, and in Book Two.

We’ll start with “Mares Eat Oats”, a song Dad loved to sing (the chorus of course). I found this clip with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, two of Dad’s favorite performers.

A frog went walking on a summer’s day.

This was a standard in the Rosenberg family. Sister Rena used to go nuts when Dad would sing “And what do think they had on the shelf, if you want to know go look for yourself”.

Minnie the Moocher – Danny Kaye version

We had this record in the basement, and thought it be the original song. Alas, it is a Danny Kaye cover, but what an awesome cover! We all adored Danny Kaye’s movies, especially the Inspector General. Miriam liked the Scarlet Pimpernel. Yeah, that too.

Old Harlem Goat

Dad loved this one and would sing it all the time. We didn’t know that some of the lyrics of the original took a turn in the end and the goat died. We thought that Harlem Goat saved the day. And himself.

John McCormack – It’s a long way to Tipperary

Dad loved this song, which was popular in the First World War. I have no idea why he liked it, nor why I do too.

I been working on the railroad.

Another oldie that Daddy loved.

From the Halls of Montezuma

Another military anthem that Dad liked. How do I know? This was the first tune I ever learned to play on the piano. And he taught me.

The Camptown Racetrack

Doodah was also the nickname of brother David when he was a toddler. Did we get it from the song? Sorry, can’t remember.

My grandfather’s clock 1876

Dad loved this song, and how ironic that he died in his 90th year.

A sailor went to sea

All of Dad’s ten granchildren grew up on this song. And “A hunting we will go”, with the toddler’s feet on Dad’s feet as he marched around the house.

Some enchanted evening.

Dad loved musicals. Brother Dave remembers that Dad loved this song from South Pacific.

In the early sixties, Mom and Dad splurged and purchased a stereo console.  The Student Prince was one of the records that they had. I’m pretty sure that Dad loved it. Me too.

Oh Susanna! Another favorite of Dad’s. I never knew it was such a controversial song. I’m sure Dad didn’t know either.

Chatanooga choo choo. Dave remembers that Dad loved this swing tune. So do we.