Chicago: The History of Fred Fisher's Classic Song
The song "Chicago" stands as a vibrant musical snapshot of early 20th-century Americana. Written and published in 1922 by Fred Fisher, the track captures the spirited and often scandalous reputation of the Windy City during a transformative era in American history.
Originally released as sheet music, the title was occasionally spelled as "Todd'ling" or "Toddling." The lyrics paint a picture of a city defined by its eccentricity and defiance, referencing the colorful nightlife of State Street—where the song claims activities occur that "they don't do on Broadway"—and the inability of evangelist Billy Sunday to "shut down" the city's revelry.
Key Facts
- Songwriter: Written and published by Fred Fisher in 1922.
- Notable Artists: Recorded by Frank Sinatra, Ben Selvin, and Judy Garland.
- Sinatra's Version: Released in October 1957 via Capitol Records.
- Chart Performance: Reached #84 on the U.S. pop charts in late 1957.
- Genre: Spans vocal jazz, swing, and traditional pop.
Major Recordings and Releases
Frank Sinatra's Interpretation
One of the most enduring versions of "Chicago" was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1957. Produced by Nelson Riddle, the track was released as an A-side single alongside "All the Way." Clocking in at 2 minutes and 10 seconds, Sinatra's rendition blended vocal jazz and swing, helping the song reach #84 on the U.S. pop charts in the fall of 1957.
This recording marked the first of two songs about the city to chart for Sinatra; the second was the 1964 track "My Kind of Town," which reached #110.
Other Notable Versions
Beyond Sinatra, the song has been interpreted by various artists across different eras. Ben Selvin and Judy Garland provided well-known versions, and in 1964, Sergio Franchi released a version through RCA Victor (release number 47-8315).
Cultural Legacy and Parody
The song's longevity is evidenced by its transition from 1920s sheet music to mid-century pop standards. Its cultural footprint even extended into the late 1990s. In 1996, the song was parodied as "Chicago (No Elmos Allowed)," a satirical piece commenting on the mass-commercialization of the character Elmo during the height of the Tickle-Me Elmo craze.
| Artist | Release Year | Label | Producer/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Sinatra | 1957 | Capitol Records | Nelson Riddle |
| Sergio Franchi | 1964 | RCA Victor | Release #47-8315 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the song "Chicago"?
The song was written and published by Fred Fisher in 1922.
What are the lyrical themes of the song?
The song alludes to Chicago's colorful past, mentioning State Street's unique atmosphere and the failed attempts of evangelist Billy Sunday to shut down the city's activities.
How did Frank Sinatra's version perform on the charts?
Frank Sinatra's 1957 version reached #84 on the U.S. pop charts.
Were there other versions of the title in the original sheet music?
Yes, the original sheet music variously spelled the title as "Todd'ling" or "Toddling."
What was the 1996 parody of the song?
The song was parodied as "Chicago (No Elmos Allowed)" to satirize the pop culture saturation of Elmo-themed merchandise.