FRANK LOESSER is one of the most versatile Broadway composers in history. He wrote five Broadway musicals. Each one was very different from the other and they all contributed to the art of the American musical theater. The three most famous musicals were Guys And Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.
Before writing for Broadway, Loesser had dozens of popular hits from his Hollywood career. He wrote the 1948 Academy Award winner, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
Born June 29, 1910, in New York City, Frank never studied music formally, although he came from a musical family. His father was a distinguished German-born teacher of classical piano and his older brother, Arthur, was a renowned concert pianist, musicologist and music critic. Frank refused to study classical music. His interest was in pop music, which his father disdained. So he taught himself, first the harmonica, then the piano in his early teens.
In 1961, Loesser won the Pulitzer Prize and seven Tony Awards for How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. It ran four years on Broadway and many of the songs are still enormous hits. There was a Broadway Revival of this show in 1995. The show starred Matthew Broderick and Megan Mullally. Then, in 2010, the show played again on Broadway, starring Daniel Radcliffe, John Larroquette, and Rose Hemingway.
At this time of year, we remember Frank Loesser for his beautiful song, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? Written in 1947, it has been recorded by many artists. But, for me, no one sings it better than Clay Aiken. It is a song that just fits his voice and personality. It was always a show-stopper when he sang it as a part of his Christmas concerts.
Maybe it’s much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I’d ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year’s
New Year’s Eve?
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year’s Eve
Maybe I’m crazy to suppose
I’d ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You’d receive
Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year’s
New Year’s Eve?
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year’s Eve
What are you doing New Year’s Eve?
The following performance by Clay Aiken is amazing. You can see so many emotions in a short song. He certainly made the day for a few people in the audience. I have to admit that I smiled so much last night, trying to choose what video to post. This video is from Pasadena. It means a lot because I was at this concert. And, many, many year ago, I used to be an usher at this auditorium. It was a great job during my school years!!
Please, take the time and watch this video. It is one performance from Clay that you should NOT miss…its worth every moment!
How romantic is this: Having Clay singing directly to you! "Heart is fluttering"
Thank you, CANN for sharing!
Thank you for the pictures and the video. I have never seen the video before. I had to watch the video several times. I like how the people there reacted to Clay singing. Thank you for what Cann does. I hope it is not to early to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2020 and to all of Clays fans.
Awww………such a sweet video. When he sang this in Baltimore, he started down the stairs looking right at me and I was so sure he'd stop and sing to me. I'm not that lucky…….he moved on down the line and sang to a woman 3 rows behind me.
This video has put a permanent smile on my face – so beautiful and so romantic – there is no other singer can do what he does! He carries such a glow about him! I, too, want to wish all a very "Happy New Year" and especially CANN – thank you for this last year with so many wonderful features for us everyday!
I was lucky that I was there that evening❤️
I’ll never forget Clay sang to those women….