I Get a Kick Out of You

When Ethel Merman stepped onto the stage of the Alvin Theatre in 1934 to sing "I Get a Kick Out of You" in the Broadway musical Anything Goes, she delivered a moment that would echo through the next century of American music. The song, written by Cole Porter, pairs a jaunty, syncopated melody with lyrics that crackle with wit: the narrator confesses that neither champagne nor cocaine, nor even the prospect of flying, can match the thrill of being with their love. It's a clever inversion of the typical love song, and it instantly clicked with audiences, becoming one of Porter's most enduring standards.

The song's journey from stage to screen began with the 1936 film adaptation of Anything Goes, and it soon found its way into the repertoires of the era's greatest vocalists. Frank Sinatra recorded it multiple times, including a swinging version on his 1956 album Songs for Swingin' Lovers! and a more relaxed take on Ring-a-Ding-Ding! (1961). Ella Fitzgerald included it in her celebrated 1956 tribute to Porter, part of her Songbook series for Verve, where her scat-singing and playful phrasing brought a new dimension to the tune. Even Dolly Parton has taken a crack at it, proving the song's range across genres.

In recent years, the song has continued to find new life. Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded a duet for their 2021 album Love for Sale, a collection of Porter covers that marked Bennett's final studio album. Their version, released as a single with a stylish black-and-white video, earned three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year. The song also popped up in unexpected places: Kelly Clarkson performed it on her daytime talk show in 2023, and a Mel Tormé cover won a Grammy in 1996 for Rob McConnell's arrangement. Add to that a 1950s jukebox hit from John Serry's accordion band, and you have a tune that refuses to stay put. [edit]