That International Rag

Album: Hello Ragtime (1913)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "That International Rag," also referred to as "The International Rag", was copyrighted August 12, 1913, and was one of many attempts by Irving Berlin to capitalize on his massive 1911 hit "Alexander's Ragtime Band." And it shows. Echoes of the latter song can clearly be heard in the former, but Berlin never came close to repeating the success of his monster hit with any of his subsequent rags. Actually, "That International Rag" is not strictly a rag, but the first part of the title is correct, because he wrote it while on a visit to London. He actually came up with it under extreme pressure the night before it was performed, by Berlin himself, in the show Hello Ragtime.
  • Published by Waterson, Berlin & Snyder, Carrie McManus appears on the front of one edition of the sheet music; it was also recorded on Victor by Billy Murray the same year, 1913. The song was used in the 1938 film Alexander's Ragtime Band in which it was performed by Alice Faye, Jack Haley and Chick Chandler. (This film is not to be confused with two earlier shorts of the same name).
  • "That International Rag" was also used in the 1953 film Call Me Madam in which it was performed by the lady with that unique voice, Ethel Merman. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80s

Wang Chung Pick The Top Songs Of The '80sSongwriter Interviews

'80s music ambassadors Wang Chung pick their top tracks of the decade, explaining what makes each one so special.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."