"Nancy (With the Laughing Face)" Frank Sinatra

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One of my favorite Sinatra songs from the 40s "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)" written in 1942 by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers (yes, Sergeant Bilko) was recorded by Frank Sinatra for Columbia Records on August 22, 1945 in Hollywood. The song was arranged and conducted by Axel Stordahl. According to Jimmy Van Heusen, he and his lyricist Johnny Burke were working at 20th Century-Fox composing for a film. While Burke was out of their writer's bungalow, Phil Silvers, the comedian, a friend to both, entered and suggested that they write a song for Johnny's wife, Bessie, who was soon to celebrate a birthday. Silvers provided the lyrics, later revised by Van Heusen and Burke. At the party they sang "Bessie... with the laughing face" It was such a hit that they used it at other female birthday events. When they sang it as "Nancy... with the laughing face" at little Nancy Sinatra's birthday party, Frank broke down and cried thinking that it was written specially for his daughter - the trio wisely didn't correct him. The song can be found on the Columbia CD box set, The Best of the Columbia Years, 1943-1952. I do not own the right to the songs, audio, or images contained in this video. This sound recording is administered by SME. No copyright infringement is intended. The purpose of this upload is for viewer enjoyment and education not for monetary gain.