Hayworth's first musical for the studio, the film was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for the song, "It's a Blue World", performed by Martin and Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra.

[1] Production on Music in My Heart (alternate title Passport to Happiness) began in October 1939.

The film also features Ary Barroso's samba, "No Tabuleiro da Baiana", performed by Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra.

[4]: 98 Biographer Barbara Leaming characterized the film as one of the "dreadful mistakes" Columbia Pictures made with Rita Hayworth as the studio tried to figure out how to use her to advantage.

… In the end, it's Martin's voice and Hayworth's overall presence which makes this a nice little winner, though Eric Blore, Alan Mowbray and George Tobias provide solid support as always.