The song was first recorded on July 15, 1942 in Chicago by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra on RCA Victor. The 78 single was released in October, 1942, peaking at #7 on the
Billboard pop singles chart. The B side was "Sleepy Town Train", recorded the following day. The Stars on Ice cast did the first live performance on July 2, 1942. Glenn Miller was one of the top-selling musical performers of the 1940s whose recordings were in every jukebox in America. "By the early 1940s, a third of all records played on American jukeboxes were Glenn Miller recording." The song highlights three top
big band leaders of the era,
Benny Goodman,
Kay Kyser, and
Glenn Miller. There are also tributes to
Harry James and
The Ink Spots, whose styles are invoked. ==Cover versions==