Over There -- the only studio recording made by George M. Cohan

This is a rare find: the only known recording of George M. Cohan singing his classic hit "Over There" in a studio. Four years after this 1936 radio broadcast, he sang it again as part of music festival in San Francisco called "A Cavalcade of American Music" (1940) organized by ASCAP. But the sound quality there is not quite as good as at is here, nor does it include Cohan speaking about the song at all. Further, here one gets the chance to hear, first-hand, Cohan's long-held belief that he wasn't much of a singer -- which may explain why he only did a single day in a recording studio in 1911. On that day, he didn't record any of his big hit songs (this one wasn't written yet), so it's especially lucky that we have this one preserved for posterity.
Cohan was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for writing this song (as well as "You're a Grand Old Flag") in May, 1936 -- the same year as this recording. Sadly, I can't tell you which came first, so it's hard to know if Cohan knew that he'd been awarded this honor when he made this broadcast. (It seems odd that the announcer wouldn't have made mention of it, had it been public knowledge, so probably not.) Anyhow, while Cohan began as a supporter of FDR, he came to dislike him due to the President's support of unions (and Cohan was strongly anti-union, if you know anything about his tangle with formation of Actors Equity union in 1919). So while awarded the honor in 1936, Cohan didn't actually go to the White House to meet the President and receive the medal until 1940. After returning home, all Cohan could say was, “Funny about them giving me a medal. All I wrote was a bugle call.”
An interesting account of how Cohan got awarded the Congressional Gold Medal -- and how it was opposed -- can be found here:
history.house.gov/HistoricalHi...
Curiously, the song was not an instant success. According to Rick Benjamin (whose Paragon Ragtime Orchestra created a valuable album of Cohan's music), Cohan wrote the song upon reading the newspaper headline that U.S. had declared war on Germany -- April 6, 1917. He wrote it overnight and premiered if for his family the next morning. Shortly thereafter, however, the song fell flat when Cohan gave it its first public performance at a
troop rally in Virginia. But finally, in the Fall of 1917, “Over There” began to click: It was successfully sung by the film actor Charles King (1895-1957) at a huge Red Cross benefit concert, and then-better still-it was taken up with gusto by the vaudeville star Nora Bayes (1880-1928) who plugged it relentlessly (her photo graces the cover of the sheet music’s first edition). Overnight it seemed, “Over There” had the nation singing, humming, whistling, and-most important -- marching. Cohan had published the song through his own sheet music subsidiary, but soon the rival Leo Feist firm offered him an unprecedented $25,000 for the song, and he accepted. (Characteristically, the Yankee Doodle Boy donated every cent to charity.) Of the more than one thousand songs written about the “Great War” during 1917-18, “Over There” was by
far the most popular and longest-lived. By the end of the conflict, it had sold more than two million copies of sheet music and an even larger number of phonograph records (numerous singers covered it, including Caruso). Today, “Over There” remains one of the few generally recognized “artifacts” of that terrible conflict. [Note: Rick Benjamin has since told me that the orchestration used in this recording is the same one that Cohan had created in 1917 for his personal performances of the song.]
In 1918, anticipating the war's end, Cohan wrote two "sequels" to "Over There" -- "When You Come Back (And You Will Come Back)" and "Their Hearts Are Over Here." Neither one was as popular as his earlier hit (what could be?) but details on them can be found midway down the page on this wonderful piece devoted to some of Cohan's music:
parlorsongs.com/bios/cohan/coh...
More important than the song, in this case, is the rare chance to hear Cohan himself, in all his self-deprecating charm, performing in his unique style. Note the way he pronounces certain words: "Ovah The-ah
... so prepa-ah
... say a pray-ah"
It's second nature to him, but a clue to the way he and his contemporaries learned song delivery in the early part of the 20th century.
By the way, Cohan is introduced by "Tex O'Rourke" who reportedly was the son of a circus artist, and became well-known as a boxer and a fighter who eventually became a jester and roastmaster.
We're grateful that "The Magic Key" -- a weekly RCA radio broadcast from 1935-39 -- had the good taste to invite him on its program, whatever the occasion.

[@hannahhancock1185]

Until listening to this, I never fully realized how wonderfully James Cagney portrayed George Cohan in Yankee Doodle Dandy.

[@jim78us1]

There's film out there of Cohan dancing. (Unfortunately, he's in blackface.) Seeing that made me realize that Cagney's mannerisms in dancing in YDD were Cohan's, not Cagney's. Cagney had probably seen Cohan on stage, and he was actually imitating Cohan faithfully. We don't realize it today, but older moviegoers at the time probably would have recognized what Cagney was doing.

[@verahoward2341]

Yes indeed thank you

[@verahoward2341]

He was fantastic James Cagney and I listened last night to an original song sung by George and Cohan over there. These beautiful memory in these hard times sure help you to realize how much your country and the military mean to you. I am proud to be an American! Thank you

[@castielsgranny4308]

@@jim78us1 Cagney studied Cohen very intensely in order to play him.

[@UtahJobSeeker51]

This I watched on the Movie Channel on the 4th of July, 2022 This is when I learned who George M. CoHan was, and who James was. We, need this type of Patriotism in this country. No one wants war. However, when our Women and Men are called to serve. WE, as a Country; The USA must stand behind those who answer the call.

[@cindymartinez128]

Oh, wow! The REAL George M. Cohan singing "Over There" ... cannot get any better than this for Patriotism and 'The Grand Old Flag '. ❤

[@gatroy13]

We need the spirit this song fires up today in 2022. Amazing music. Too many flag haters in this country.

[@willpower62]

Wow. Just wow. Listening to history. I love technology.

[@maryelizabeth9559]

Just watched “Yankee Doodle Dandy” as I do every Fourth. Leave it to a great showman to pick a great showman to play him! This song always gives me goosebumps. 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@karlahills156]

George M. Cohan the man who still to this day owns Broadway. No one bar none has come close to what he did. A legend . Thank you for posting this. So enjoyable!

[@bobbydamico2679]

I have noticed that there has not been a comment made, for four years, now. Well, that's far too long, so I must say something, although, I'm not sure what it should be. I'll speak freely and from the heart ... America, is a very special place, not perfect, but great never the less. George M. Cohan, was a warrior, in his own right, serving as an inspiration to millions of others. May God Bless, all those who oppose tyranny, past & present ..................

[@petermossuto3886]

As a Persian Gulf Veteran, I would like to Thank Mr. Cohan and all the WW I heroes for their sacrifice for all of our Freedom!! Happy 4th of July!! I know we ain't perfect, but we are the United States of America!

[@joezeff7513]

And as a 'Nam vet, I'd like to add my thanks. My only regret is that we didn't stay until it was over over there.

[@hunterbravo9638]

This song gives me chills. When America was patriotic and everyone loved and was proud of our country. James Cagney sings this song wonderful also.

[@artvandelay837]

The dems would say this is racist.

[@jamesblare475]

@@artvandelay837 Good job bringing politics and racism into a patriotic song.

[@artvandelay837]

@@jamesblare475 You can thank the left for that.

[@jamesblare475]

@@artvandelay837 The "left" haven't done shit about this song, so I don't know what the fuck point you think you're making.

[@artvandelay837]

@@jamesblare475 ah and here comes the cursing. You're so triggered. The left makes everything into race and politics.

[@Blazedeath597]

RIP George M. Cohan you will never be forgotten for most of your songs such as this song which we eventually will see you “Over There, and we won’t come back to till it’s over over there.”

[@msmdac1]

Very few songs can be taken up by the marching masses to strengthen, rally and infuse the camaraderie necessary to embolden men enough to fight and die for their country. This is one of them. Cohan was a musical genius for the common man. Thank you for the post and goodwill to all who pass this way.

[@luvbach1]

+Harvey Ball So very well said. George M. Cohan was a national treasure, a truly great American and a great talent!

[@c.a.g.3130]

Your comment was really swell.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

This brings up vicarious memories for me, as my dad used to sing this now and again. I find it interesting that Mr. Cohan so deprecated his singing ability. Of course, he's not an operatic performer, but his voice is true, and honest; not at all disagreeable. I'm glad this was preserved and shared.

[@StevenTorrey]

Still impressive after all these years!

[@StevenTorrey]

The background info was most fascinating.

[@nolmanimates3031]

I completely agree

[@jimsoulios9027]

2021 and still awesome (from an Australian)

[@nolmanimates3031]

In ww2 my great grandpa served for both the US ans Australian Army (i still have his Slouch cap badge) Greetings on behalf of him and me

[@magschann1154]

dang..cagney nailed Cohan

[@OldsVistaCruiser]

Not just the singing - Cagney channeled Cohan completely including his dancing.

[@Loveoldies50]

Since I was a kid, and saw James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy, I’ve loved the music of George M. Cohan. He was a true Patriot. And Cagney did a truly wonderful performance in the movie. I was so happy to buy the DVD so I can watch it whenever the mood hits me.

[@You_Know_The_Thing]

Makes me a proud American. God Bless America... Land That I Love.

[@amirudinadnan7024]

But now, the land that you love is becoming a war maker day by day.

[@You_Know_The_Thing]

@@amirudinadnan7024 sucks being you

[@amirudinadnan7024]

@@You_Know_The_Thing I just tell you the truth. I'm Sorry If I made you mad. But it's a fact.

[@You_Know_The_Thing]

@@amirudinadnan7024 not mad. Just chose to live in a better world mentally.

[@amirudinadnan7024]

@DivPat for temporarily.

[@fonzieodie]

what a national treasure this man Cohan is. Still in 2016 we are singing his songs. My favorite composer.

[@DennyDreadBassMan]

I can see why choose James Cagney to play him. They sound very similar.

[@mcrp_]

Or Jimmy worked hard to imitate him almost perfectly. He was a terrific actor!

[@colleenm4031]

That’s what brought me here. I wanted to compare voices. Although he didn’t have the greatest singing voice, he did sing, which is more than Jimmy did in Yankee Doodle. He spoke almost the whole song. 🤔 Their speaking voices were already very similar though. Pretty amazing.

[@jamessumita5193]

Actually it was Cohans idea that Cagney play him in the movie

[@HaleyWingate]

I hadn't even heard of George Cohan until I had watched Yankee Doodle Dandy....is it weird that I love his voice so much?? He seems like such a charming guy!

[@Mikado8848]

It is not weird. You have depth of taste.

[@clay3935]

This is so awesome, i love it. I have watched the Movie "Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney hundreds of times over the the years. And to hear this gem by George M. Cohan is a wonderful experience. Thank you.

[@Haroldbeavis1969]

So self deprecating! He had a great voice!

[@verahoward2341]

I don't think there's an American Patriot that don't love George M Cohen and James Cagney. And if you are reliving the memories as I am it's been a great day thank you

[@verahoward2341]

@@Billy219 I am an American lady and and James Cagney one of the all-time greats. He's as American as apple pie.. I am only referring to my opinion. And to my family he was an outstanding performer. Anything that has to do with appreciating our military and servicemen I am all for 100% maybe it's because I'm a patriot. Have a nice day.

[@verahoward2341]

So did I watch the movie Yankee Doodle dandy . James Cagney was brilliant playing George m Cohan.

[@TheDoctor1225]

@@Billy219 Yet you took the time to post such a childish and insulting comment as regards something that obviously doesn't appeal to you, as you are neither American, nor an American patriot. What an excellent way to represent your country and people, especially considering you couldn't do it using even in a coherent form of English. Well done. Please allow me to give you a well deserved round of indifference.

[@roberttriulzi9340]

James Cagney served you well in the movie "Over there" Wish we had more of you singing for posterity. Like your song very very much . It was perfect for the war we were joining at the time. and Mr.Cagney conveyed your wishes in the way he sang the song.

[@BouncingZeus]

He wanted Cagney to play him lol. It was part of the deal to get the movie rights.

[@amandafontaine9441]

Love it. Wish someone had got more of him on film, singing, acting and dancing.

[@btmouse1]

Gentleman (and Ladies): With all due respect, please take the comments regarding the merits or demerits of patriotism, the USA's current or past activities, etc. and move them to a more appropriate forum. This piece of music history was not posted to start a referendum on the above topics. It's merely meant for the edification of Cohan fans and those who love his music. Comments and discussions along those lines are most welcome. Thank you.

[@williamdufour4826]

Can you see if you can find any from Eddie Foy as I just read read a bio on him.

[@begs54]

Hear, Hear!!!

[@cjc4765]

Eddie Foy Jr is in the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy ( son of Foy Sr I believe )

[@Miyamoto_Jim]

Brian McNicholl while I can agree with what you say, I’d like to point out that the boys who made this song fought for freedoms and the right so to free speech how they see fit

[@btmouse1]

@@Miyamoto_Jim I'm glad you agree with me and thank you for respecting my wishes! Here's to more enthusiasm for Cohan and his songs!

[@kathleenw1943]

I've had my grandfather's record collection for some time, and am after years finally pulling them out, cleaning them carefully, and organizing them. I'm looking them all up to see the dates they were recorded or released. This one is a gem, and I'm delighted to have it. Wonderful American patriotism oozes from this song that inspired so many. Happy Fourth of July everybody!

[@25FIREBALL]

MR MNCNICHOLL---CAN I AT LEAST THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS PIECE-----------------GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OUR BOYS THE ARE "OVER THERE"

[@juliaflanagan4148]

Outstanding history behind this recording. Thank you! I smiled with George Cohen's introduction: "A little marching song that the boys adopted during the war."

[@joep8787]

What a shame that Cohan and Cagney never made a movie together. They could have played father and son song and dance men. Cagney saw Cohan on stage and Cohan was aware of Cagney; Cohan suggested Cagney to play him in the biopic.

[@begs54]

I am amazed how James Cagney sounded so much like George M. Cohan in this song His delivery as Cohen is uncanny.. Thank you for posting this.

[@btmouse1]

I agree! What's interesting is that Cagney achieved this effect with very little to go on. That is, there was not much in the way audio/film recordings of Cohan. Prior to filming YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, Cagney watched Cohan's sole sound film (THE PHANTOM PRESIDENT) which had been made 9 years earlier (1932). So he had that, and he had the memory of seeing Cohan in AH, WILDERNESS (1933) on Broadway. But that was about it. If you're interested in seeing the REAL Cohan, check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHivn6inm6iafLc

[@begs54]

Yes. I agree. We all know Cagney was an accomplished hoofer and a fairly good singer.. All you have to do is see his early Warner Bro. musicals. But when the film was made at the time, he was portraying a living legend of Broadway who was still alive Similar to Helen Mirren play the Queen. It takes talent...!!

[@georgiawessling7987]

@@begs54 I was shocked that James Cagney could sing and dance. All the movies I had seen of him to that time had been his gangster movies. I was surprised and pleased to see him do so well. I go back every once in awhile and watch the clip from a movie where Bob Hope and James Cagney sang and danced as Eddie Foy and Cohan on a table. It is a great clip. My favorite genre as a young lady was the musicals. I am 83 now and I can remember so much of them and rewatch them. Wonderful.

[@georgiawessling7987]

Oh, and it proves so well that in early movies you had to be multiple talented. Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and many more.

[@TheWizardofRandR]

Why do people have to make POLITICAL a good song ,that's almost 100 years ago , in a different time and place ! George M. Cohan was a great showman , and as a human being could err also , but that shouldn't diminish his great talent he gave the World !

[@RollOnToVictory]

+The Wizard of Rock and Roll If anything it's a beautiful soccer song when the World Cup rolls around..... (unless we host of course, then there's no "over there.")

[@TheWizardofRandR]

RollOnToVictory that would b good!

[@balboro2854]

Why does he say, I'm not much of a vocalist? He's got a great voice.

[@btmouse1]

Cohan did not believe he was a great vocalist. In fact, he went into a recording studio just once -- one day in 1911. He made records of some of the songs he'd written up to that time (though, sadly, not some of the bigger hits like YANKEE DOODLE DANDY or GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY). He didn't care for the results and never went back (hence, the actual 78 discs are quite rare). He was actually concerned that recordings might diminish his popularity in the regions -- that is, he feared that if people knew what he sounded like as a singer, they might not come to his live performances. In truth, it was the total package -- his in-person charm, charisma, acting, etc. -- that made him a popular performer on Broadway and on the road for almost 40 years. Cagney captures the talk/sing style of Cohan, but Joel Grey (in GEORGE M! -- 1968) gave a full-throated sung performance of the man. One contemporary of Cohan's said that nobody could put over a comic "patter" song like Cohan, and that may have been his forte, but sadly we have few examples of it. Further, the recording equipment of the time required the vocalist to almost shout ("hammer" style was the word for it), and, therefore, we lost the deft touch Cohan apparently brought to a performance. On stage, his skill was in deploying a modicum of effort to achieve a laugh or make a point. You can hear that skill in evidence here, in his speech from 1938: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3LcY2acZqaCj80

[@balboro2854]

Thank you, Brian, for that wealth of information. People are always most critical of themselves. He must have heard flaws in his singing voice that wouldn't have been audible to the rest of us. Too bad we don't have more recordings of him.

[@btmouse1]

Ah, my friends... please see my note below about political comments; please observe this request. As Mr. Cohan would say... my Mother thanks you, my Father thanks you, my Sister thanks you, and I thank you.

[@russellwright1324]

You can hear his pre-microphone stage diction.

[@btmouse1]

Yes, you are correct!

[@bruceschnur7417]

what a great american, he was a real entertainer

[@mysticalmargaret6105]

Wow what a rare treasure! Thank you so much for uploading this! What a treat to hear the great and legendary song and dance man himself! He was so humble about not 'being much of a vocalist' but you can tell he gave his famous song his heart and soul! ♥

[@Elmaestrodemusica]

I love this song!! So glad you posted this - this is American History!!!

[@winters504]

When ever I hear this song I think about world war 2 and the sacrifices that the soliders made for us. RESPECT!

[@gabrielmendez6260]

This song was during WWI but non-less all sacrifices in during any war

[@ianmcphail1430]

Many thanks for this. It`s great at last to hear the great man himself.

[@jubalcalif9100]

I have a notion to second that emotion ! I have wondered for years what the late great Mr Cohan sounded like.

[@Proteusbound]

I tear up when I hear his songs..

[@SheepKid1]

Piece of music history here

[@carolford7845]

It's wonderful to hear George M! He kept his parents' Irish accent. On my father's side, there were Irish immigrants.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Thanks! Great rarity much appreciated!

[@sungodflub]

Thank you for uploading this! I never knew such a recording existed. One of the greatest songs ever.

[@thomashogan16]

Thank you so much for this! I love his accent too.

[@janb2162]

I just finished viewing James Cagney's version of the movie Yankee Doddle Dandy; Cagney's interpretation was spot on!! I loved the movie and songs even now in 2022! Thanks Mr. Cohan & Mr. Cagney!

[@btmouse1]

Yes! I agree with you. We have to remember that Cohan's unique performance style was well-known to audiences of 1942; they'd be seeing Cohan live for almost 40 years at that point. He toured extensively, even if his recording career was almost non-existent (by his own choice). The country was half the size it is now (in terms of population), and there was no TV and no radio in Cohan's heyday (1900-1920), so it was easier to be known to the general public and most people saw live entertainment -- so Cohan was a celebrity even in the regions. Cagney himself was aware of Cohan's style and knew that he'd have to try to emulate it in his own way. The greatest tribute to his success are the many reviews from the movie critics in '42 who agreed that Cagney's "on stage" performances captured the Cohan style. They'd have known "the genuine article" first-hand!

[@amageingrace]

The essence of Broadway. Perfect styling.

[@rickbruno3975]

Wonderful!! Thank you for sharing!! Happy 4th of July!

[@Loveoldies50]

It's wonderful to hear the real voice of George M. Cohan. My first introduction to him was through Yankee Doodle Dandy, and James Cagney's wonderful portrayal! I loved the film, loved James Cagney's portrayal, and learned about a famously talented man called George M! Thanks for posting this!

[@btmouse1]

You're are so very welcome! Glad you've discovered Mr. Cohan ... and hope you will look at more KZbin postings to hear more of his gloriously melodic output. It's kept me humming for a lifetime.

[@KB-jz5rk]

So great to hear the master himself!

[@Lostghost-ff8bz]

So glad this survived 100 years

[@papagreenemusic]

84 so far...

[@sugarlandtexas4717]

I'm watching Yankee Doodle Dandy..with James Cagney...Thank you for putting this on here..P.S. Everyone should watch the movie especially on the 4th of July

[@tramp6948]

A little bit of dark humor here: My Grandfather sang. "We won't be back, we'll be buried over there". He died in 1960, so he obviously made it back. If you've ever served you get the dark humor. Troops in the trenches used to shake hands with dead bodies buried on the side, cause they thought it was good luck. When they talk about being de-humanized, I guess that is what it is. Everything I was trained not to do, these people had to do. No PTSD just "Shell Shock", You could get shot for that. Get off my Soap box now, please excuse.

[@tramp6948]

My original thought was to honor the WW1 Vets, sorry I got lost, Thanks to them.

[@MonsterToxin]

Tramp69 it's not uncommon for people to dehumanize in traumatic situations. Even the police and firefighters make dark jokes.

[@erraticonteuse]

Tramp69 I know that before the US entered the war, pro-war Americans latched on to the Marquis de Lafayette as a rallying figure, saying we owed the French for their help in our Revolution. But when they came back from the war, having lived through how awful it was, it became, "we paid our debt to Lafayette, now who the hell do we owe?" WWI destroyed the idea of the glory of war for at least a generation, and I love how perfectly that sentence encapsulates that feeling for Americans specifically, hearkening back to our great nationalist war and being completely bitter and irreverent about it.

[@comradepivot4570]

@@tramp6948 Its a song when USA entered WW1, to encourage the youngs to join the army.

[@gcampos7814]

Thank you for posting this. Like you said, not about our beliefs. I had seen the movie with James Cagney and it always moved me wondering who this Cohan was. Again, thank you for posting. :)

[@gigigodzilla2166]

I agree and it was excellently performed by James Cagney in the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy, when Mr Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan. God rest them both.

[@frederickwise5238]

To hear the real voice of Chan and know that Cagney was very likely the only one who could so perfectly duplicate it and his feeling. As a 6YO in 1941, I remember (didnt understand then) all of the Cohan songs and marches in school assemblies. The whole movie of his life is marvelous. A master of music and lyrics.!!!!!

[@currykingwurst6393]

Just watched Yankee Doodle Dandy and hearing this was just a gem.

[@ThePapasmurf1946]

I have Cohan singing "I'm a yankee doodle dandy" from the early 1900's recorded in a theater. He's introduced as "the greatest individual single figure in the American Stage today - George M. Cohan!" Can't remember the source, it's just on a home-made cassette from the 1970's. Durn. Too bad the past is being so utterly forgotten. Caruso is barely remembered. Crosby is fading. Armstrong isn't heard anymore. It was all great art, and is recorded and available. I'm glad someone is sharing these treasures on the "tube"

[@btmouse1]

Yes, good catch! There IS a recording of Cohan in which he is introduced in that way... however, it is actually from a live performance on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1940 called "Cavalcade of American Music," featuring 25 songwriters performing their own famous songs, backed up the San Francisco Symphony. The afternoon concert took place at the open-air stage in Golden Gate International Exposition Federal Plaza on Treasure Island in San Francisco. The evening concert was held indoors at the California Coliseum on the same day. These concerts were transcribed for radio but not broadcast, hence the cassette tape you have. Cohan performed a medley of GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY, YANKEE DOODLE DANDY, and YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG. Unfortunately, the orchestra loses its way near the end of the medley and comes to a halt, with Cohan commenting, "I knew they'd blow it." And unfortunately, that's the last recording we have of Cohan.

[@Gunnarr123abc]

ThePapasmurf1946 here it is on KZbin m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5LLoWl6e9SbeqM

[@clutzwinstead279]

If this don't light your fire, your wood's wet. I hope George was a God fearing man.

[@thomashogan16]

He was a practicing Catholic. So, yes he was.

[@Suze947]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Mr. Cohan!

[@ReynLynxPSI]

Geez, this actually sounds like a WWI song.

[@StevenTorrey]

+Weegeesquare It's because it is a World War I song, words and music by George M. Cohan.

[@ReynLynxPSI]

@108725796085101192635 I know that, I was waiting for someone to take the bait :v

[@traceydunne7854]

Maybe that's because it's a ww1 song

[@ReynLynxPSI]

@Released9825 Wow, I posted this like... 4 years ago, back when I was a cringy middle-schooler. Crazy to think someone would reply to this cobweb-filled comment...

[@McLeanAmy]

This is utterly beautiful.

[@gasousa6559]

WOW...its really Cohan...not Cagney singing ..Amazing recording...!!

[@jesus.christis.lord.foreve899]

Hey... Thanks so much ! Love love love L O V E George M. Cohen ♥︎ just what I needed today ( ANY day ! ) James Cagney, too o goodness (didn't he do an AWESOME Cohen ! ! ! ? ! ) we Yankees have been so BLESSED over the years .

[@peqbox]

some great Verdun music. Does anyone agree. Still though thanks for all those that served in the _"War to End All Wars"_ that was over a hundred years ago.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

Nice find! Thank you for preserving this.

[@stargazersally6544]

What a lovely treat. I love the songs written by George M. Cohen. I actually came looking for 'Ma bonnie daisy' and this was recommended. So very special. Thank you.

[@roccovitiello7031]

A very good clip

[@choraldirector09]

Thank you so much for posting!

[@bergy-62]

bravo!

[@aeichler]

Fantastic! He mostly talks on his early acoustic recordings. He's wonderful on this.

[@btmouse1]

You're so right, Alan! The answer for this may lie partly in the change in technology between Cohan's first (and only) recording session in 1911 and this recording, made in 1936. In 1911, vocalists had to sing quite loudly into a big horn to have their voices recorded properly (this is one of the reasons Billy Murray, an early interpreter of Cohan's songs from this period, was so successful; he was a master of the "hammering style," as he called it). In 1928, the electronic microphone was introduced, which significantly improved recording quality and allowed the singer to be more natural and nuanced. Radio followed suit, and it allowed us to capture the sort of performance we get here from Mr. Cohan.

[@aeichler]

@@btmouse1 It's a shame he didn't do more electric recordings all through the 30's. The same with Blossom Seeley, Blanche Ring, Irene Franklin, and other great vaudeville stars. Nora Bayes and Jane Green died shortly after the microphone, but still could have managed one or two sessions. England was great at recording its Music Hall stars.

[@btmouse1]

@@aeichler I agree; a real shame. However, I turned up this one -- another live radio performance, this one from 1934. Give this one a chance, if you can. The melody is actually quite catchy if you can tease it out.

[@williamdufour4826]

Wow! I never knew this existed! Thanks!

[@edfred3512]

It's astonishing how much Cohan sounds like Jimmy Cagney.

[@btmouse1]

Yes... or how much Cagney sounds like Cohan:)

[@0Alltheworldsastage]

Wow, that was truly Awesome!!! Thank you!

[@CaryCotterman]

A great tribute to the Doughboys of 1917-1918, and a great performance by Cohan. Cagney did a terrific job emulating his style a few years after this recording.

[@papagreenemusic]

@Brian McNicholl The reason for the pronunciations "Ovah the-ah", "say a pray-ah" etc. is only Cohan's classic Boston Irish accent! (b. Providence, RI, & spent much time in Massachusetts)

[@btmouse1]

That's an interesting theory. I will enjoy listening to other performances from artists of the period, not from RI or Boston, to see if they have a similar affectation. Thank you for your interest in GMC!

[@papagreenemusic]

@@btmouse1 It's more than a theory... A Massachusetts boy myself, all my grade school teachers had this accent... As children we would say we were going to take a "bahth", & the letter 'r' in words like "word" & "bird", "there" & "prayer" gets lost in there somewhere in a bit of "Elmer Fuddism" ... I like to joke, "What happened to all the letter 'r's in Boston, lost from words like "Pahk y' cah in th' Hahvid Yahd"? They were stolen by New Yorkers, who added them superfluously to words like "Cuber" (Cuba), "Toyoter" motors, & "AmerickerOnline".... Although Cohan's performing career began as a child of show biz parents, it doesn't seem that he ever had any formal voice training. That was just his accent, somewhat exaggerated by the emphases added when singing.

[@patriciastupak3264]

I have goosebumps

[@bidenator9760]

An absolute treasure.

[@wannabeasubscriber528]

Keep your fancy pop and rap this is real music

[@austinjones3856]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@roamfoam9653]

@@brandonlanderos2805 no u nigga

[@The_Chillton]

One of the only versions that doesn't sound oddly depressing.

[@dorothysmom]

Love and miss you Georgie

[@Mikado8848]

I'm happy to know this exists, as a fan of Cohan's songs and Cagney's...Cagney.

[@josephsiano7557]

Those words sre true today. We won't come back till its over there. This message is for any country that want to mess with us

[@verahoward2341]

I grew up as a child listening to the music of George M. Cohen my family was very military. And later he was portrayed by the great James Cagney.

[@marilynndonini7247]

My husband, Michael Karp, writes: "I was privileged to meet Tex O'Rourke at one of his last mc gigs for the Circus Saints and Sinners, a charitable organization to which he had devoted his activities since the mid 1930s... He was an imposing man, especially to my 12 year old self, and a master of broadsword satire, which made him a great favorite with fraternal organizations. When he died, the Saints/Sinners mounted a moving tribute in the form of a large Tableau of a ten-gallon stetson, six shooters, and "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You" played as a dirge. He was a public figure of a kind that doesn't really exist anymore..."

[@Dylanowich]

2:07 actually starts.

[@tracytrebilcox]

WOW! Thank you for the research. As a teen, I was in a couple of community theatre productions of "George M", and fell in love with his music.

[@btmouse1]

Tracy -- that's almost my story, as well. When I was 13, my mother took me to see my sister in the high school musical -- which turned out to be GEORGE M! That was my first introduction to Cohan's music. I fell in love with it. GEORGE M! was the first cast album I bought; I was surprised that the tempos were so bright. I don't know how anyone with a soul can resist Cohan's infectious, innocent, and inevitable melodies. Nice to meet a kindred spirit.

[@johnking6252]

Great and sad moments in American history. 👍🇺🇲

[@CTS1661]

It’s truly a shame there’s no more veterans from this war alive anymore, and a shame that I will never be able to meet one

[@Blueknight1960]

You do realize that nearly all vets from wwI were born in the late 1800's right?

[@CTS1661]

blueknight well yea duh. That’s why I’m saying it

[@thomasjorge4734]

A great impression of James Cagney!

[@paperbucketbob3165]

Mr.fay white a.k.a my great great great grandfather was a seargent in the spring offensive he was a u.s troop one of the first to come

[@btmouse1]

Did he make it home from "Over There"?

[@paperbucketbob3165]

Yes he got the purple heart and died in 1951 just when his grand son go over there to north Korea

[@walkbedford2953]

It was used in the musical....'Oh What a Lovely War'. Great song

[@bigchungus2063]

Listing to this im ready to go over There!!!!!

[@wannabeasubscriber528]

1:59 actual song begins

[@MohawkHalfBreedTheShredder]

I like how you can hear the old fashionedness in he's voice

[@Brace67]

The great Yankee Doodle Dandy himself singing the WW1 song he made so famous. It is a real treat to hear the actual voice of George M. Cohan and the song so closely associated with him. The “Magic Key” was a long ago radio network that featured many famous artists of the day including Irish Tenor John McCormack.

[@btmouse1]

Good point about John McCormack... who also has a significant connection to Cohan. McCormack recorded "When You Come Back (And You Will Come Back)" -- Cohan's 1918 follow-up song to "Over There -- for Victor records. The song place #9 on the charts in 1919. Here it is on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onyUYZeqo6qqmrM

[@lisashrestha5023]

Same tune that the Freedom kids performed for Trump this summer! My mom recognized it! They adapted and changed the words and never gave credit to Cohan.

[@matthewmcsheffrey2522]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🌹🌹🌹💕R.I.P.

[@MaxwellKaye]

The song starts at 2:00

[@TheIllusiveMan11]

How'd you get this audio?

[@roberttartaglia1715]

This is not the only studio recording that Cohan made….there were several, one of which I own….it is called “Life’s a Very Funny Proposition After All”.

[@btmouse1]

I should clarify the title of this posting: this is the only studio recording of this particular song, OVER THERE. You're right, of course --- Cohan recorded a number of his songs one day in a studio in 1911. However, he so disliked the sound of his own voice on the recordings that he never did so again. He was concerned that the theatergoing public would have a negative reaction to his voice on the recordings and this might discourage them from attending his live performances on tour (where he had loyal following). Also, of course, his voice in isolation -- divorced from his mannerisms, facial expressions, dancing, etc. (all the elements of a live performance) -- didn't serve to give a proper, full impression of his stage magnetism.

[@jsg6532774]

Far better days they were!

[@Arkelk2010]

Thank you for posting this great piece of history. His voice here was pretty good: it must have carried quite a punch in his prime. Mr. Cohan mentioned the American Legion in his remarks. Perhaps this was a program they sponsored for a patriotic day?