Jimmy Van Heusen originally wrote the song when he was a teenager, but with different words. When he later played the tune forJohnny Burke (without the lyrics), Burke wrote the "Imagination" lyrics.[2]
The recording by Glenn Miller[2] (vocals Ray Eberle) was released byBluebird Records as catalog number 10622. It first reached theBillboard magazine Best Seller chart on July 20, 1940 and lasted 3 weeks on the chart, peaking at #3.[3]
The recording by Tommy Dorsey was released byVictor Records as catalog number 26581. It reached the Billboard magazine Best Seller chart at #8 on July 20, 1940, its only week on the chart.[3]
The song was covered in 1987 by AmericanR&B singerMiki Howard. Released as the second single from Howard's debut album,Come Share My Love. The song was a top 20 R&B hit, peaking at number 13 on theHot R&B Singles chart.[4]
Bing Crosby and John Scott Trotter's orchestra (recorded December 24, 1947, released byDecca Records as catalog number 24696)[10]
Doris Day (recorded November,1947, released by Columbia Records as catalog number 38423,[11] also as catalog number 38698)[12]
Al Donahue and his orchestra (recorded March 18, 1940, released by Vocalion Records as catalog number 5434,[8] also byConqueror Records as catalog number 9453)[13]
Billy Eckstine withPete Rugolo arr, cond) and his All Stars, including Pete Candoli (tp), Don Fagerquist (tp), Bud Shank (as, fl), Gerald Wiggins (p), Red Callender (b), Larry Bunker (ds). Recorded in Los Angeles, CA on January 2, 1958.
Percy Faith & His Orchestra withMitch Miller from the album "It's So Peaceful In The Country"
