South America, Take it Back aye-yai-yai

[Familyghost]

My Pop was slightly too young to be aware of showtunes of the early 40's, so I stumped him when I asked where Jack came up with 'South America, Take it Back'.

I don't know the exact show he started singing it, but certainly the fantastic season opener Sept 29, 1946 is full of him humming it.

"take back your rumba, aye! your samba, aye, your conga, aye-yai-yai"

Can anyone remember which musical or film this song was written for? The writer was Harold Rome.

Can't seem to find it out there.

What a great show to listen to. I laughed so hard at the premier of The Sportsman! Hmmm..

[JohnM]

I'm no show tunes buff, but a quick search or two comes up with this:

"South America, Take It Away," written by Harold Rome, was first introduced in the post-World War II Broadway revue "Call Me Mister," which opened in the National Theater on April 18, 1946.

http://mattiescottage.blogspot.ie/2010/ ... rosby.html

[Sy]

Thanks for the link, JohnM. It seems the song was introduced by Betty Garrett, whose silver screen credits include Words and Music, On the Town, and My Sister Eileen. Many would remember her as Irene Lorenzo, Archie Bunker's neighbor on All in the Family.