It is SO EXCITING when a new year’s worth of songs come into the public domain! As of today, all American songs and pieces written in 1924 are now available, and there are some really great ones I can’t wait to arrange and give to you this year!
One of my favorite 1924 songs is It Had To Be You, by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. I was first made aware of the song in 1989 when it played under the romantic final scene of the film, When Harry Met Sally starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. In that scene it is New Year’s Eve, and Harry rushes to find and kiss Sally at midnight, while we hear Harry Connick, Jr. sing It Had To Be You in the background. What an iconic piece of film history!
Click below to print an intermediate arrangement of It Had To Be You (and other pieces!) on my Free Sheet Music Page on January 1st 2020:
Print IT HAD TO BE YOU
There is also a funny scene with Diane Keaton singing It Had To Be You in the 1977 film Annie Hall, and it has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and many others; so you might enjoying listening to some additional recordings on Youtube.com.
Friends, it has been such a pleasure writing this blog, and arranging pieces for you. I have also enjoyed addressing some of the issues that arise for adult piano students, finding short cuts or tools to help you advance your piano studies. We have another GIVEAWAY coming up soon (for 20 sheet music page holders) and I have lots of ideas about things to write about in the coming year; if you have an issue you are struggling with at the piano, please leave a comment below and I will try to help in whatever way I can.
If you don’t already know, I have written a series of piano instruction books called Upper Hands Piano: A Method for Adults 50+ to Spark the Mind, Heart and Soul. Click on the links below to view a few of them on Amazon.com.
I hope you have a wonderful new year, filled with music and magic, love and luck. Do you have any piano goals for 2020? Leave a comment below and let us know what your wishes and intentions are for the coming year. Let us support your musical dreams! With love and music, Gaili
Hi, I played piano as a kid and kept trying to get back to it with no success. Once I retired and had the time to focus on learning, relearning and practicing, I found an awesome teacher who introduced me to your books. After 3 months, I have gained skills and confidence and I realize how much more is yet to be learned. Thank you ❤️
That’s wonderful to hear Barbara! I’m so happy that you found a great teacher and are back to the bench. Learning to play the piano is the perfect retirement project. So great for the brain and so fun! Happy New Year!! You are entered to win one of 20 Kibcoh bookmark page holders
❤️❤️
I too learned piano as a child and then, like many others, stopped playing. Starting the ukulele a few years ago opened up the whole world of chords to me! So that has lead me back to piano and playing from leadsheets. I love the old 1920s 1930s era of American popular music. Thanks for posting It Had to be You. Funnily enough we just started doing that one in our ukulele group!
That’s great! Ukulele is a fun instrument and great for jamming with others. I just love the songs from the 20s and 30s also. I play those great old songs with the wonderful Ian Whitcomb at gigs sometimes. Though his health is not so good these days.
Hi, I’m looking for a copy of “It Had to Be You”…is it still available?
HI Laura- thanks for subscribing! Yes, I will email it to you. -Gaili
Hi, I’m looking for a copy of “It Had to Be You”…is it still available?
Hi Leslie, I am sending it to you now via email 🙂