You have seen "The Gay Divorcee" if you knew the lyrics of "The Cotinenntal" (1934). Con Conrad"s music won over the Academy voters. He was the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The good ones played on our emotions, which past winners in this catergy would illustrate.
To prove this point, let's take a look at some of the past winners. Time to be all ears:
When You Wish Upon a Star (1940). Walt Disney thought of the perfect tune for his animated version of "Pinocchio". True enough, Leigh Harline's music was oozing with sweet innocence. But it won't be hard to imagine Carlo Collodi rolling in his grave. His children's book was bursting with mischief, his Pinocchio too curious about his surrounding. And it let him down one too many. But Disney could be forgiven for his saccharine treatment of the book. He was a young lad when he first read it, and his feeling didn't change at all.
Baby, It's Cold Outside (1949). You must be a fan of MGM musicals to know this tune. You might have seen all of Esther Williams's films to guess it. But those who got accustomed to Adele and Beyoncé won't be interested at all. How about a second chance?
Love Is a Many Splendor Thing (1955). Don't tell Ed Sheeran's diehard fans that this Sammy Fain tune could be the "Thinking Out Loud" of yesteryears. Both songs would make listeners wistful. Love is the only thing that matters, but music is a matter of (poor?) taste.
The Morning After (1972). Some viewers would cringe at the sight of disaster films. They were a staple during the 1970s, which reflected the turbulent era. But not this song. You must be an old fart to love it. Watching this film again would be another thing, though.
You Light Up My Life (1977). It reached the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart, but Carol Burnett and Tim Conway have something in mind. They went down and dirty. Debby Boone wasn't amused at all.
Say You, Say Me (1985). Don't be surprised if this wasn't included in the tribute to Lionel Richie at the Grammy Awards. Too much cheese can be dangerous to your health, and someone like Demi Lovato won't give it a powerful rendition.
My Heart Will Go On (1997). James Horner finally won an Oscar for this song, but Kate Winslet wasn't thrilled at all. Celine Dion didn't let it pass, but some fans would point out that the early years of her career were her best. Maybe it was the French.
Did we miss anything? Let us know. And don't be embarrassed to share it with us.
