1910s Decade Music

Songs from the 1910s That Were Later Covered

The 1910s marked a transformative period in the history of recorded music. As the phonograph gained popularity, many songs recorded during this decade became the foundation for future interpretations by later artists. Below are some of the most notable songs from the 1910s that were covered in subsequent decades.

1. “St. Louis Blues” (1914) – W.C. Handy

One of the most significant blues compositions, this song played a crucial role in shaping early jazz and blues music. It became a standard, later covered by artists like Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.

Original: Composed and first recorded by W.C. Handy, “St. Louis Blues” became one of the most influential blues compositions of all time.
Later Covers: The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Bessie Smith (1925), Louis Armstrong (1930), and even the rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry (1960s).
Legacy: This song is often credited with bridging the gap between ragtime and jazz, influencing the development of both genres.

2. “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (1911) – Irving Berlin

This song helped popularize ragtime music and was a massive hit upon release. It has been performed by numerous artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby.

3. “Over There” (1917) – George M. Cohan

Written during World War I, this patriotic song became an anthem for American troops and remains one of the most recognized songs of the era.

4. “Indiana” (1917) – James F. Hanley & Ballard MacDonald

Also known as “Back Home Again in Indiana,” this song became a jazz standard and was frequently performed by artists like Louis Armstrong.

Original: Also known as “Back Home Again in Indiana,” this song was first recorded in 1917.
Later Covers: A staple in jazz, Louis Armstrong famously performed it, and it became a signature tune for the Indiana-based bandleader Hoagy Carmichael. The song was also used as a traditional opening for the Indianapolis 500.
Legacy: The song remains an enduring standard in jazz repertoire and pop culture.

5. “After You’ve Gone” (1918) – Turner Layton & Henry Creamer

Originally recorded by Marion Harris, this song became a jazz and pop standard, later covered by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman.

Original: Recorded in 1918 by Marion Harris, this song quickly became a jazz standard.
Later Covers: It has been performed by legends such as Benny Goodman (1935), Frank Sinatra (1940s), Ella Fitzgerald (1950s), and Fiona Apple (2000s).
Legacy: The song’s enduring appeal lies in its emotional lyrics and catchy melody, which have made it a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike.

6. “Till We Meet Again” (1918) – Richard A. Whiting & Raymond B. Egan

A sentimental World War I-era song, it became one of the most popular songs of the decade and was later covered by Bing Crosby and Doris Day.

Original: First recorded by Henry Burr and Albert Campbell, this song became a sentimental favorite during World War I.
Later Covers: Later versions were recorded by Doris Day (1940s), Bing Crosby (1950s), and even The Byrds (1960s).
Legacy: The song’s nostalgic theme made it a popular choice for wartime and farewell occasions.

7. “Swanee” (1919) – George Gershwin & Irving Caesar

Al Jolson made this song famous, and it became Gershwin’s first big hit, helping to shape the future of American popular music.

Original: First recorded by Al Jolson in 1919, “Swanee” became Gershwin’s first major hit.
Later Covers: The song was revived in recordings by Judy Garland (1940s), Bobby Darin (1960s), and has been performed in many Broadway revivals.
Legacy: This song is often associated with the early days of American musical theater and helped launch Gershwin’s career.

8. “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” (1910) – Leo Friedman & Beth Slater Whitson

This love ballad was widely popular and has been recorded by many artists, including Patti Page and Bing Crosby.

9. “Darktown Strutters’ Ball” (1917) – Shelton Brooks

One of the first recorded jazz songs, this tune became a major dance hit and was covered by many jazz greats, including Fats Waller.

10. “Roses of Picardy” (1916) – Haydn Wood & Fred Weatherly

A beautiful wartime ballad, it was widely performed and later recorded by artists such as Mario Lanza and John McCormack.

These songs were instrumental in shaping the popular music landscape of the early 20th century, influencing later jazz, blues, and pop music. Many of them remain classics today.

1911 Collins and Harlan – Alexander’s Ragtime Band

Henry Burr and the Peerless Quartet – Let Me Call You Sweetheart (1911)

1917 American Quartet – Over There

SOPHIE TUCKER – Some Of These Days (1911)

1911 American Quartet – Moonlight Bay

Tiger Rag – The Original Dixieland Jazz Band (1917)

Harry Macdonough and Chorus – Down By the Old Mill Stream (1911)

By the Light of the Silvery Moon – Billy Murray and the Haydn Quartet (1910)

1916 Elsie Baker (as ‘Edna Brown’) – Hush-A-Bye, Ma Baby (The Missouri Waltz)

When Irish Eyes are Smiling – Chauncey Olcott (1913)

I Didn't Raise My Boy To Be A Soldier

Darktown Strutters Ball – Original Dixieland Jazz Band

It's a Long Way to Tipperary (1914)

Swing Low Sweet Chariot – Fisk Jubilee Singers (1909)

"Come Josephine In My Flying Machine" by Ada Jones & Billy Murray 1911

Conclusion

The music of the 1910s continues to resonate through modern interpretations. Whether through jazz, blues, or pop, these songs laid the groundwork for later musical innovations. Their influence can still be heard in contemporary covers, making them timeless classics.

References

Handy, W.C. (1941). Father of the Blues. Macmillan.
Rust, Brian. (1979). The Complete Entertainment Discography. Arlington House.
Gioia, Ted. (2011). The History of Jazz. Oxford University Press.
Ruhlmann, William. (1994). Breaking Records: 100 Years of Hits. Routledge.