Famous songs recommended for musical beginners

There’s No Business Like Show BusinessIRVING BERLIN

There’s No Business Like Show Business

When it comes to iconic songs that shine as a towering presence in the world of musicals, there’s a gem crafted by quintessential American composer Irving Berlin! It’s a powerful number that captures both the allure and the hardships of show business, featured in the 1946 Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun starring Ethel Merman.

The lively melody woven by brass and percussion brilliantly conveys the glamour of the stage and never fails to captivate listeners.

A film of the same name was made in 1954, featuring a star-studded cast including Marilyn Monroe.

Best known in Ethel Merman’s rendition, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Bing Crosby and Liza Minnelli.

It’s the perfect track for those who dream of show business or want to recharge with a heart-pounding melody!

Ol’ Man RiverJerome Kern／Oscar Hammerstein II,

Ol’ Man River

From the 1927 musical Show Boat by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II—who produced numerous masterpieces that have gone down in American music history—we present a moving song.

Set against the timeless flow of the Mississippi River and told from the perspective of Black laborers, this piece is a weighty ballad steeped in elements of spirituals and the blues.

Its pentatonic melody unfolds at a leisurely tempo, symbolically expressing life’s hardships and hopes.

Premiering in December 1927 at New York’s Ziegfeld Theatre, the work was later adapted into films in 1936 and 1951; in particular, Paul Robeson’s deep bass rendition captured the hearts of many.

It is a classic that ranked 24th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs in American Movies.

Rose’s TurnJule Styne／Stephen Sondheim.

Rose’s Turn-Gypsy-Ethel Merman

The climactic showstopper of the musical Gypsy is a masterpiece where profound lyrics and a deeply emotional melody blend to perfection.

Created by two of 20th-century America’s foremost talents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, this moving number has continued to stir audiences’ hearts since its 1959 Broadway premiere.

The song is a soliloquy in which the protagonist, Rose, reexamines her life and desires, and it is renowned as a quintessential “11 o’clock number” in musical theater history.

From Ethel Merman to Bette Midler, and with Audra McDonald set to take on the role in December 2024, many powerhouse actresses have shone in this iconic scene.

It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to empathize with a heart wavering between dreams and reality, or to experience the profound depth of musical theater.

Ya Got TroubleMeredith Willson

The Music Man “Ya Got Trouble”

A masterpiece crafted by Meredith Willson that shines brilliantly in musical theater history.

Hailing from Iowa, he unveiled it in 1957 in The Music Man: a signature patter song performed as the con man Harold Hill deftly persuades the townspeople.

Its rhythmic, rapid-fire delivery has been hailed as a precursor to early rap—and even earned high praise from Stephen Sondheim.

The work won the 1958 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and Robert Preston left a definitive performance in the 1962 film adaptation.

Its cultural impact is broad, from quotations in the animated series My Little Pony to parodies on The Simpsons.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate sharp dialogue and persuasive expression.

Some Enchanted EveningRichard Rodgers／ Oscar Hammerstein II

‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from SOUTH PACIFIC (1958)

A masterpiece that shines brilliantly in Broadway musical history, this love ballad by the golden duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, created in 1949, is a gem that portrays a fateful encounter and the universality of love.

Its rich melody and poetic lyrics quietly resonate in the listener’s heart.

At its premiere, Ezio Pinza captivated audiences with his resonant voice, and in the same year Perry Como reached No.

1 on the Billboard chart while Bing Crosby climbed to No.

3, propelling the song to swift popularity.

It drew renewed attention with the 1958 film adaptation and has continued to be covered by illustrious artists such as Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

An eternal classic loved across generations, it’s a song to cherish in life’s special moments or during a tranquil evening.

Losing My MindStephen Sondheim

Follies | ‘Losing My Mind’ performed by Imelda Staunton | National Theatre Live

A heart-stirring ballad born from the 1971 musical Follies.

Showcasing Stephen Sondheim’s genius for lyrics and composition, this work is a masterclass in emotional expression, portraying obsession with a past lover and profound loneliness.

While grounded in the traditional torch song form, Sondheim’s signature complex harmonies and rhythms blend exquisitely, resonating deep within the listener.

In the original production, it was performed by Dorothy Collins in the role of Sally, captivating audiences.

Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists; notably, Liza Minnelli’s 1989 version reached No.

6 on the UK charts, earning widespread acclaim.

With its unforgettable, delicate emotional nuance and beautiful melody, this song offers empathy and comfort to those bearing emotional scars or experiencing the ache of unrequited love.

Mary Poppins ~ Chim Chim Cher-eeJulie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke

Mary Poppins Soundtrack- Chim Chim Cheree

Mr.

Banks, a difficult banker, throws the children’s note—asking for a nanny who is kind, lovely, gentle, and fun—into the fireplace.

The note floats up the chimney and rises high into the sky, reaching Mary Poppins.

She is a mysterious nanny who arrives out of nowhere, riding the wind with an open umbrella in hand.

The leading role in this fantastical story was played by Julie Andrews.

“Chim Chim Cher-ee” is still a very delightful song to listen to.