Jazz Ensemble: Opus One Sy Oliver / Arr. Lennie Niehaus

Cut from the film Broadway Rhythm in 1943, Opus No.1 took on a life of its own in the swing-band world, becoming a hit for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1944 and recorded over time by Gene Krupa, Harry James, and the Boston Pops under the baton of John Williams. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics reflect the singer's hope for the song to become a hit, that perhaps Perry Como or Bing Crosby will sing it, or instead that bandleaders Ray Anthony or Les Brown add it to their setlists.