Yes, Astaire had a good voice and sang the definitive versions of many chestnuts in the American Songbook. But my favorite song of his is not his, it’s an arrangement by Xavier Cugat, a.k.a. "The Rumba King," in the film You Were Never Lovelier, with the stunning Rita Hayworth. In “Audition Dance,” Fred hustles around her father’s office in Argentina, trying to get hired at a nightclub. His wittiness, twitching his booty, using ashtrays as improvised castanets, his grace with the cane, his unbelievable athleticism jumping on the desk—he’s 43 years old here!—Fred, you made it look easy.

Fred Astaire, "Audition Dance," from the film You Were Never Lovelier, 1942. Music written and arranged by Xavier Cugat.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to early June, 2025.

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