Billie Holiday - (Our) Love Is Here To Stay (Verve Records 1957)

“Our Love Is Here to Stay“ is a popular song and a jazz standard. The music was written by George Gershwin, the lyrics by Ira Gershwin, for the movie The Goldwyn Follies (1938) which was released shortly after George Gershwin’s death. It is performed in the film by Kenny Baker. “Our Love Is Here to Stay“ also appeared, perhaps most memorably, in the 1951 MGM picture An American in Paris, for which it served as the main theme. It also appeared in 1995’s Forget Paris in which it is actually a reference to An American In Paris. The song was the last composition George Gershwin completed. Ira Gershwin wrote the words after his brother’s death, giving the song a special poignancy. Originally titled “It’s Here to Stay“ and then “Our Love Is Here to Stay“, the song was finally published as “Love Is Here to Stay“. Ira Gershwin has said that he wanted to change the song’s name back to “Our Love Is Here to Stay“ for years, but felt that it wouldn’t be right since the song had already become a standard. The song is emblematic of the Great American Songbook, with both an introductory verse and a chorus. Accompanied with Billie, Joe Mondragon (bass), Alvin Stoller (drums), Barney Kessel (guitar), Jimmy Rowles (piano), Norman Granz (producer), Ben Webster (saxophone [tenor]) and Harry Edison (trumpet). (Verve Records) It’s very clear Our love is here to stay; Not for a year But ever and a day. The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know May just be passing fancies, And in time may go. But, oh my dear, Our love is here to stay; Together we’re going a long, long way. In time the rockies may crumble, gibraltar may tumble, They’re only made of clay, But our love is here to stay It’s very clear Our love is here to stay; Not for a year But ever and a day. The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know May just be passing fancies, And in time may go. But, oh my dear, Our love is here to stay; Together we’re going a long, long, long, long way. In time the rockies may crumble, gibraltar may tumble, They’re only made of clay, But our love is here to stay