Let's Face the Music and Dance

The jazz song has also been covered by various artists years following its release, including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Todd Gordon and others.

The influence of 1930s jazz on the song is evident in its ‘idiomatic features’ which includes the simultaneous presence of specific melodic hooks and syncopated rhythms.

[5]Having written songs which resonated with audiences of his time, Berlin displayed a ‘chameleon-like ability’ to craft lyrics inspired by Hollywood's most prevalent and wanted ideas and values – with "Let’s Face the Music and Dance" exploring the trending feel-good, romance topic.

[9] "Let’s Face the Music and Dance," debuting as part of Follow the Fleet, was a film produced by Pandro Berman and RKO Pictures; Berlin scored himself a deal with RKO Radio Picture productions that enabled him to take the reins for artistic and creative control – allowing him to produce originals such as "Let’s Face the Music and Dance.

Director Herbert Ross spoke of his decision in featuring “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” for Pennies from Heaven, saying, “It [Berlin's composition] suited the scene perfectly.

[19] A shortened edit of Nat King Cole's version was also used as the theme music to the BBC mockumentary Twenty Twelve, which had first aired earlier that year.

[20] Most recently, the 2020 Amazon Prime 2-Hour Grocery Delivery advert which aired last on the 17 February 2020, features Nat King Cole's rendition of the song.

[21] Robbie Williams performed Irving Berlin's "Let's the Music and Dance" amongst other popular jazz songs like Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" and Richard Rodger's "Have You Met Miss Jones?"

[48] On the 27th January 2010, Rufus Wainwright performed a cover of "Let’s Face the Music and Dance" in the Allen Room of Frederick P. Rose Hall, New York.

[50] Jeff Goldblum debuted his rendition of Berlin's "Let’s Face the Music and Dance," featuring Sharon Van Etten, in 2019 on his Glastonbury set.