Among My Souvenirs
"Among My Souvenirs" is a 1927 song with words by Edgar Leslie and music by Horatio Nicholls.
Original version
The earliest known version of "Among My Souvenirs" was recorded by The Kit-Cat Band on September 19, 1927. It was first a number one chart hit for Paul Whiteman in 1928. Whiteman's recording was recorded November 22, 1927, and released by Victor Records as catalog number 35877A.In Lullaby of Broadway, by Patricia Dubin McGuire it is stated that Al Dubin sold the song to Edgar Leslie for $25.
Other charting versions
- In 1959, Connie Francis recorded the song; it peaked at number seven on the Hot 100. The Connie Francis version also peaked at number ten on the R&B charts. In the United Kingdom, the song reached number 11. Her version was arranged by Ray Ellis. In Canada it reached number two.
- In 1976, Marty Robbins had his sixteenth and last number one on the country charts with his version of the song. In Canada his version reached number three.
Additional versions
Over the years, the song has been covered by many artists including:- Al Bowlly
- Louis Armstrong
- Bing Crosby and Russ Morgan's Orchestra
- Judy Garland
- Bob Haring and the Regent Club Orchestra
- Eddy Howard
- Roger Wolfe Kahn
- James Melton
- Alvino Rey and his Orchestra
- Ben Selvin and his Orchestra
- Frank Sinatra
- Paul Weston and his Orchestra
- Joni James on her album Among My Souvenirs
- Hank Snow on his album Country & Western Jamboree
- Marie Osmond on her album Who's Sorry Now
- Ray Price on his posthumous farewell album ''Beauty Is... Ray Price: The Final Sessions''
In popular culture
The song is referenced by the character Al Stephenson in the film The Best Years of Our Lives. He requests the song and he and his wife Milly dance to it as played by Hoagy Carmichael on the piano, at Butch's Bar. The music is developed in the movie's orchestral score by Hugo Friedhofer.The song is referenced in the 2021 play Among My Souvenirs by Alex Margo Arden and Caspar Heinemann. It first premiered in Malmö on 22 August 2021 for World Pride and was performed at Barnens Scen, Malmö Folkets Park.