Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1925

Average_duration

:

3:01

'Looking for a Boy' is a musical number composed by George Gershwin in 1925. The song was written for the musical 'Tip-Toes', which premiered on December 28, 1925, at the Liberty Theatre in New York City. The musical was produced by Alex A. Aarons and Vinton Freedley, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and a book by Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson. The plot of 'Tip-Toes' revolves around two brothers, Tip and Toe, who are song-and-dance men. They fall in love with two sisters, Sylvia and Nanette, who are part of a family of con artists. The brothers and sisters eventually team up to put on a show and make some money. 'Looking for a Boy' is sung by the character of Sylvia, who is looking for a man who is "tall and tan and young and handsome" and who can "dance the tango". The musical number is composed in the style of a foxtrot, with a catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The song features a syncopated rhythm and a jazzy piano accompaniment. The lyrics are witty and playful, with a nod to the popular dance craze of the time, the tango. The song is characterized by its use of repetition, with the phrase "looking for a boy" repeated throughout the chorus. 'Looking for a Boy' was a popular hit when it was first performed in 'Tip-Toes', and it has since become a standard in the American songbook. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand. The musical number is often performed as a solo by a female vocalist, and it is a popular choice for auditions and cabaret performances. In conclusion, 'Looking for a Boy' is a classic musical number composed by George Gershwin for the 1925 musical 'Tip-Toes'. The song is characterized by its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and witty lyrics. It has become a standard in the American songbook and is a popular choice for performances by female vocalists.

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