Historical evidence · Song 3 of 18
Act 1: The source
Der Shtiler Bulgar belonged to the klezmer dance world before the 1939 pop song. Archival documentation traces the melodic source through earlier Jewish recordings and performance.
Starting pointInstrumental klezmer dance repertoire
The source offered rhythmic energy, but no English narrative or national pop vehicle.
Act 2: The bridge
Ziggy Elman reshaped the material for swing. Johnny Mercer added the English lyric, while Benny Goodman, Martha Tilton and Elman's trumpet gave the song a star powered identity.
What changedGenre, lyric, featured vocalist, soloist and orchestra
Adaptation can be musical and performative as well as linguistic.
Act 3: The result
The Library of Congress describes And the Angels Sing as a huge hit. The outcome belongs to the complete package, not to a claim that English alone caused success.
Documented outcomeA major American swing hit in 1939
The clearest bridge joins cultural source, new authorship and a commanding performer.
EvidenceFreedman Jewish Music ArchiveLibrary of CongressInstitut Europeen des Musiques Juives