The story of Ella Fitzgerald's version of "" is a blend of theatrical scandal and a landmark moment in recording history. While many remember the song as a gentle romantic standard, it was originally a risqué Broadway number that Ella famously "restored" to its full, uncensored glory. The Broadway Scandal
The song is sung by Vera Simpson , a wealthy, married socialite who has fallen for the "heel" Joey (originally played by a young Gene Kelly ). The story of Ella Fitzgerald's version of ""
The song was written by and Lorenz Hart for the 1940 musical Pal Joey . Unlike the "happier" musicals of that era, Pal Joey was gritty and cynical, featuring an anti-hero who used women for his own gain. Pal Joey was gritty and cynical