My Mammy

Album: Sinbad (1918)

Songfacts®:

  • I'd walk a million miles
    For one of your smiles
    My Mammy!


    Undoubtedly three of the most memorable lines from any forgettable American popular song. "My Mammy" is in 4/4 time and was composed by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Joe Young and Sam Lewis.

    Although it is best known for its renditions by Al Jolson (who performed in blackface), it was actually introduced by William Frawley. Originally a vaudeville song, it went into the 1918 show Sinbad which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway on February 14 that year.
  • "My Mammy" has been recorded by numerous artists, including many women. In particular Cher, Liza Minneli and Lena Zavaroni. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2
  • Al Jolson sings this in blackface as the final number in his 1927 film The Jazz Singer. In the film he sings it to his mother to show his appreciation for her.

Comments: 2

  • 5enzzz from Warwick, Ri 02888Was also used sung with the line "the most beautiful girl from the laundry" instead of My Mammy in the movie "The Pelican Brief".
  • Joe Cantello from GeorgiaMy Mammy was also recorded by the New Jersey based vocal group, The Happenings in 1967 and song reached a peak of #13 in Billboard Magazine.
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