Back in 1961, I used to help my grandma out by stacking pop bottles and sweeping the floors in her little corner diner at 102nd and Miles Avenue in Cleveland. I’d listen to the jukebox play, watch the teenagers dance, and have a great bowl of chili. It always made me happy to hear this song.

It’s actually a remake of a 1933 tune by Mary Ellis. Here’s the original version of I’ve Told Every Little Star by Mary Ellis from 1933:

The song was written by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the Broadway musical, Music In The Air. There was a film version of that play made in 1934 starring Gloria Swanson. By the way, if you want to check out the lovely Miss Ellis in action, check out her 1937 movie Glamorous Night!

Check out this really interesting video that mashes up I’ve Told Every Little Star with Smashing Pumpkins. Rock and roll may not be completely dead…