Beginning in the 1930s, standards became an important part of many singers’ repertoires. Singers needed to know and be able to perform classic songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and others. Each singer interpreted the song differently and offered a unique take on it.

Choose one of the following standards and listen to two different singers’ interpretations of it.

Your assignment will compare and contrast those singers’ versions regarding the following:
Form vocal style instrumentation expression other relevant parameter
Cole Porter, “I Get a Kick Out of You”
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Performed by Ethel Merman
George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, “The Man I Love”
Performed by Billie Holiday
Performed by Peggy Lee