I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)

"I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)" is a popular song with music by Fred E. Ahlert and lyrics by Roy Turk. It was published in 1928 and originally sung by Aileen Stanley. The song was sung and recorded by Billie Holiday many times, from the mid-1930s onwards. It was sung by Irene Dunne in the movie 'A Guy Named Joe' with Spencer Tracy (MGM, 1943). The song was revived to even greater success in 1944, when the 1940 recording by Harry James (Dick Haymes vocal) was re-released (during the 1942–44 musicians' strike which prevented recording of new material)[1]  (Billboard #1). The Ink Spots version featuring lead Tenor Bill Kenny was also popular in 1944, reaching the retail top ten.

Later covers include: The Platters, whose beautiful rendition was never released as a single, but only as part of the 1956 LP "The Platters - Volume Two",[2]  as well as within EP releases, as in France.[3]  Connie Francis, whose 1958 recording made #19 on the UK charts, and was covered by Embassy Records singer Maureen Evans;Shirley Bassey's 1961 recording hit #10 on the UK charts. Jack Jones for his 1965 album Dear Heart, Al Hirt on his 1965 album, They're Playing Our Song,[4]  and Sun Ra in 1973 and 1977 in his posthumous album "Some Blues But Not The Kind Thats Blue".

A version was also recorded by Ben Bernie And His Orchestra, which was featured at the end of the Woody Allen film Zelig.

This song was interpreted by Marilyn Monroe during one of her lessons in the Actors' studio. According to some, Monroe's performance caused some member of the audience to cry, which convinced some of her acting ability.[citation needed]

This song is not to be confused with "I'll Get By," the 1991 hit ballad by Eddie Money.