One of the most delightful melodies ever written for theater is “All the things you are.” It is simply lovely musically and lyrically, which is why it has become something of a wedding jazz standard.
The music was written by Jerome Kern in 1939 for a little known musical (Very Warm for May), with lyrics added by Oscar Hammerstein II.
One critic described the lyrics as …
“enthralling romantic without crossing over into mawkishness, while Kern’s music is ingenious and boldly adventurous.”
What lyrics they are!
Just soak in these dreamy words, and think about dancing to them on your wedding day:
You are the promised kiss of springtime
That makes the lonely winter seem long,
You are the breathless hush of evening
That trembles on the brink of a lovely song.
You are the angel glow that lights a star
The dearest things I know are what you are.
Some day my happy arms will hold you,
And some day I’ll know that moment divine
When all the things you are, are mine.
Most of the songs this blog has written on aren’t considered wedding jazz standards. But “All the things you are” has been performed by a who’s who of jazz legends, including Stan Getz, Dave Brubeck, and Dizzy Gillespie.
When it comes to weddings, though, you’ll want to consider a cover that includes vocals. The lyrics are just too good to pass up.
Carly Simon delivers a sultry rendition that is ideal to dance to:
Just listen to the beautiful chord progression that naturally propels this classic from one musical idea to the next. It sounds so easy, and yet it isn’t. That’s why this song is considered a classic.
Barbara Streisand performs it as a lush ballad:
The Jackson Five actually covered this song in their own imitable way:
Purists may not appreciate the disco-ish treatment Michael Jackson and team give the tune, but again, that’s what makes a great song great. Different artists can make it their own.
Listen to a diva sing it
For example, legendary opera diva, Renée Fleming, covered this song employing the exquisite vocal stylings she honed singing Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini in international opera houses.
Take a listen:
Go to YouTube where you’ll find countless, beautiful arrangements of this timeless wedding jazz standard.
And if you decide this song complements your love story, Columbus Pro DJs can play the version perfect for your first dance.
Columbus weddings are wonderful for so many reasons, which is why we absolutely love being a part of these celebrations. We especially like the way music unites your guests by offering an eclectic mix of your favorite music from today and yesterday.
We’ll make the music even better with awesome equipment that provides clear, controlled sound and festive decor lighting that can transform a plain space into a palace. The next step? Check us out without obligation.
