Introduction

Prepare to embark on a musical journey through time as we delve into the mesmerizing world of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” This enchanting song, performed by the legendary duo Louis Prima and Keely Smith, has left an indelible mark on the annals of jazz and popular music. With its soul-stirring lyrics, captivating melody, and the unparalleled chemistry between Prima and Smith, this song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.The Louis Prima Story

Did You Know?

  • “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was originally written by the iconic American composer and songwriter, Cole Porter, in 1936.
  • Louis Prima and Keely Smith’s rendition of this classic was released in 1959, instantly becoming a chart-topping hit.
  • Louis Prima, known for his exuberant stage presence and charismatic trumpet-playing, and Keely Smith, celebrated for her velvety vocals, were a dynamic duo both on and off the stage. Their performances together were nothing short of magical, earning them widespread acclaim.
  • The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, who recorded a famous version in 1956.
  • “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the American songbook.

Keely Smith - Rotten Tomatoes

Now, let’s immerse ourselves in the nostalgic charm of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Louis Prima & Keely Smith:

Video

Lyrics: I’ve Got You Under My Skin

I’d sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin’ you near
In spite of a warnin’ voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear:
Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win?
Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
‘Cause I’ve got you under my skin.

[Musical interlude]

I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin’ you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats – how it yells in my ear:
Don’t you know, little fool, you never can win?
Why not use your mentality – step up, wake up to reality?
But each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin
‘Cause I’ve got you under my skin.
Yes, I’ve got you under my skin.

You Missed

Billy Joe Shaver first caught Waylon Jennings’ eye at Willie Nelson’s Dripping Springs Reunion back in 1972 while passing a guitar around backstage and picking “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me.” Waylon immediately stopped in his tracks, learned the chords on the spot, and promised to record the material. Instead of a quick cut, Shaver found himself stuck in Nashville for six months trying to collect on that promise while dealing with empty pockets and a songwriter dodging his calls. A sympathetic DJ eventually smuggled him right into one of Waylon’s studio dates. Still trying to brush him off, Waylon handed over a hundred-dollar bill with strict instructions to clear out. Shaver was broke enough to desperately need the cash, yet his pride won out. He fired the money right back with a harsh insult, prompting a furious Waylon to storm out into the hallway surrounded by a crowd. Shaver stood his ground and told him straight: listen to the songs, or catch a beating right there in front of God and everybody. Waylon finally sat down and listened. One track led to another until Jennings scrapped his own plans and built an entire record around Shaver’s writing. Released in 1973, Honky Tonk Heroes packed nine of Billy Joe’s compositions and turned into a crown jewel of the outlaw movement. The recording room stayed just as volatile, with Shaver loudly arguing over arrangement choices and accusing Waylon of altering his vision. Yet that exact friction gave the record its teeth. Waylon had just fought RCA for total creative freedom, and Billy Joe Shaver proved stubborn enough to demand that exact same respect for the words on the page.