Composer

:

Jerome Kern

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Popular

First Performance

:

1937

Average_duration

:

4:35

Jerome Kern's "The Folks Who Live On the Hill" is a timeless classic that has been performed by countless artists since its premiere in 1937. The song was written for the musical "High, Wide, and Handsome," which premiered on Broadway on April 28, 1937. The musical was not a commercial success, but "The Folks Who Live On the Hill" has endured as one of Kern's most beloved compositions. The song is a ballad that tells the story of a couple who dream of living in a beautiful house on a hill. The lyrics, written by Oscar Hammerstein II, are filled with romantic imagery and a sense of longing for a simpler, more idyllic life. The melody, composed by Kern, is equally evocative, with a soaring chorus that captures the hope and optimism of the song's protagonists. "The Folks Who Live On the Hill" is typically performed in a slow, languid tempo, with a focus on the melody and lyrics. The song is often accompanied by a small ensemble, with a piano or guitar providing the main accompaniment. The song's structure is relatively simple, with a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format that allows the melody and lyrics to shine. Despite its simplicity, "The Folks Who Live On the Hill" is a masterful composition that showcases Kern's gift for melody and Hammerstein's skill as a lyricist. The song has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, and Diana Krall, and has become a standard in the jazz and pop repertoire. Overall, "The Folks Who Live On the Hill" is a beautiful and timeless song that captures the essence of romantic longing and the desire for a better life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of Kern's music and Hammerstein's lyrics.

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