"Nancy (with the Laughing Face)" is a song composed in 1942 by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Phil Silvers, called, originally, "Bessie (With The Laughing Face)". It was originally recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1944. Many, perhaps most, peopleâÂÂincluding, for a time, Sinatra himselfâÂÂwrongly assume or assumed the song was composed specifically for Sinatra's wife or daughter, each named Nancy; the adjustment in name indeed was inspired by Sinatra's daughter.
Origin
Former broadcast executive and music historian Rick Busciglio tells the story of the song's inception as related to him by Van Heusen:
Notable recordings
In popular culture
- In the Sopranos episode, "Watching Too Much Television," Paulie Gualtieri returns from jail to a big welcome back party at the Bada Bing! club. Following a group toast, Silvio Dante cues up some music and "Nancy (with the Laughing Face)" begins to play. Paulie, lost in emotion for a few moments, finally smiles and says "my song." Bobby Bacala is seen asking Silvio "What the fuck? Why is this his song?"
- The song was a favorite of President Ronald Reagan (whose wife was named Nancy), with Frank Sinatra singing a rendition entitled "Nancy (with the Reagan Face)" at his first inaugural ball in 1981.
- In the British Sitcom Fresh Fields this song is referenced by William when his mother-in-law Nancy has her portrait painted by his wife Hester.
- In the 1991 film Hear My Song, star (and screenplay co-writer) Adrian Dunbar performs the song. It's also on the soundtrack album.
References
External links
- from lecture "Confessions of An Ad Man," by Rick Busciglio telling the story of the creation of the song.