Composer

:

George Gershwin

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Song: Popular

Compose Date

:

1926

Average_duration

:

2:28

"Clap Yo' Hands" is a musical number composed by George Gershwin in 1926. It was written for the musical "Oh, Kay!" which premiered on November 8, 1926, at the Imperial Theatre in New York City. The musical was a collaboration between George and his brother Ira Gershwin, who wrote the lyrics. The plot of "Oh, Kay!" revolves around a bootlegger named Jimmy Winter who falls in love with a woman named Constance. However, Constance is already engaged to a British aristocrat named Sir Evelyn Oakleigh. The musical is set in the 1920s during the Prohibition era, and the characters are all involved in various illegal activities. "Clap Yo' Hands" is a lively and upbeat musical number that is performed in the second act of the show. The song is sung by the character of Shorty McGee, who is a friend of Jimmy's and a fellow bootlegger. Shorty encourages everyone to clap their hands and dance along to the music, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. The music of "Clap Yo' Hands" is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and jazzy melodies. The song features a call-and-response structure, with Shorty singing the main melody and the chorus responding with the phrase "Clap yo' hands." The lyrics of the song are simple and repetitive, but they are effective in creating a sense of excitement and energy. "Clap Yo' Hands" was a popular song when it was first released, and it has since become a classic of the American musical theater canon. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it has been featured in several films and television shows. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of George Gershwin's music and the enduring legacy of the American musical theater.

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