Down in the Depths (on the Ninetieth Floor)
Encyclopedia
"Down in the Depths" is a song written by Cole Porter
, for his 1936 musical Red, Hot and Blue
, in which it was introduced by Ethel Merman
. The lyric scheme juxtaposes images of high and low: it is a lament from the point of view of a rich woman in a penthouse who looks down on the busy city life below her but nevertheless feels she is at the lowest and poorest point of her life because she is lonely. Porter's melody is musically intertwined with the lyric scheme in a similar manner to his classic song "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
." British soul singer Lisa Stansfield
recorded "Down in the Depths" for Red Hot + Blue
, a 1990 Cole Porter tribute album in aid of HIV/AIDS awareness.
Cole Porter
Cole Albert Porter was an American composer and songwriter. Born to a wealthy family in Indiana, he defied the wishes of his domineering grandfather and took up music as a profession. Classically trained, he was drawn towards musical theatre...
, for his 1936 musical Red, Hot and Blue
Red, Hot and Blue
Red, Hot and Blue is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1936 and introduced the popular song, "It's De-Lovely" sung by Ethel Merman.-Synopsis:...
, in which it was introduced by Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was an American actress and singer. Known primarily for her powerful voice and roles in musical theatre, she has been called "the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage." Among the many standards introduced by Merman in Broadway musicals are "I Got Rhythm", "Everything's...
. The lyric scheme juxtaposes images of high and low: it is a lament from the point of view of a rich woman in a penthouse who looks down on the busy city life below her but nevertheless feels she is at the lowest and poorest point of her life because she is lonely. Porter's melody is musically intertwined with the lyric scheme in a similar manner to his classic song "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Published by Chappell & Company, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" is a song with lyrics and music by Cole Porter. It was introduced in 1944 in Billy Rose's musical revue, Seven Lively Arts....
." British soul singer Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield is an English singer and songwriter.-Early years:Stansfield was born to Marion and Keith Stansfield in Heywood, Lancashire, in England, where she attended Redbrook School, Rochdale. Her first television appearance was on a talent programme in the Granada TV area in 1982...
recorded "Down in the Depths" for Red Hot + Blue
Red Hot + Blue
Red Hot + Blue is the first in the series of compilation albums from the Red Hot Organization. The recording was the first in the Red Hot Benefit Series...
, a 1990 Cole Porter tribute album in aid of HIV/AIDS awareness.
Notable recordings
- Ella FitzgeraldElla FitzgeraldElla Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist...
- Ella Loves ColeElla Loves ColeElla Loves Cole is a 1972 studio album by Ella Fitzgerald.This was Fitzgerald's first album of songs dedicated to a single composer since 1964's Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Johnny Mercer Songbook, and her second collection of songs by Cole Porter, her first being the memorable 1956 album, Ella...
(1972), Newport Jazz Festival: Live at Carnegie HallNewport Jazz Festival: Live at Carnegie HallElla Fitzgerald at the Newport Jazz Festival: Live at Carnegie Hall is a 1973 live album by the American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied by a reconstructed Chick Webb Band, the pianist Ellis Larkins, and for the second half of the album, the Tommy Flanagan Quartet .This was a historic...
(1973)