Words by Robert Burns, Scotland's poet laureate, music Scottish traditional. With thanks to bandleader Guy Lombardo, this has become THE song of New Year's Eve.
"Memories", Music by Egbert Van Alstyne(1882-1951), lyrics by Gustavus(Gus)Kahn(1886-1941), 1915. The first of what would be dozens of standards by lyricist Gus Kahn for Tin Pan Alley, on Broadway and in Hollywood. Van Alstyne also wrote "In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree" and "Pretty Baby" (see Holidays/Valentine's Day and Occasions/Baby).
Inextricably associated with the Philadelphia Mummers and their New Year's Day Parade. Blackface minstrel song in the 19th century, a parody of the early Negro spiritual "Golden Slippers," composed in 1879 by Afro-American songwriter James A. Bland(1854-1911). Bland also wrote "Carry Me Back To Old Virginny" and "In The Evening By The Moonlight."
Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), published 1850, the year he was appointed Britain's Poet Laureate. Pubished 1880 with musical setting by famed French operatic composer ("Faust") Charles Gounod (1818-1893). Paintings by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851), eccentric, wildly luminous British artist.