Arlen Sings and Plays: Recordings and Performances of the 1950s and 1960s

Abstract During the 1950s, after a hiatus of almost twenty years, Arlen began performing again actively as a singer and pianist. He appeared on radio and with some frequency on the newer medium of television, including on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, and other variety programs, as well as some specials organized around his music. Working with arranger Peter Matz, Arlen made several LP recordings of his songs, including Harold Arlen Sings (With Friend) (1965), in which he teamed up with one of his favorite interpreters, Barbra Streisand. The many demos Arlen recorded for his shows and films are important documents of his creative process. Arlen’s voice deepened with age, losing some its “crooner” qualities. His performances of the 1950s reflect jazz practices of the era.