In the late 1930’s, Babcock was a radio dj in need of a moniker makeover. A friend suggested “Jimmy Van Heusen” after seeing a billboard for the clothing company. It stuck, and Van Heusen would become a legendary composer, winning an Emmy and four Oscars…one of them for this song. This is Bing Crosby with Swingin’ on a Star, from the 1944 film “Goin’ My Way”.
Van Heusen was also a longtime collaborator and close personal friend of Ol’ Blue Eyes. He’s even buried in the Sinatra Family Plot… under a grave marker that reads “Swinging On a Star”.
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