Avalon

By Al Jolson, Vincent Rose & B.G. De Sylva
1920

Churned out at the height of Jolson's popularity, it may or not be legit that the singer had a part in its composition--at the time, it was common for stars like him to get a cut of the royalties for songs they introduced. The lyrics referred to the Hollywood resort community of Catalina Island, but the melody was clever lift from Puccini's Tosca--or perhaps not so clever, as Puccini's publishers successfully sued the songwriters in 1921.

Lyrics:

I found my love in Avalon,
Beside the bay.
I left my love in Avalon,
And sailed away.

I dream of her and Avalon,
From dusk 'til dawn.
And so I think I'll travel on
To Avalon.

Recorded By:

Vaughan Monroe
Nat King Cole
Cab Calloway
Coleman Hawkins & Django Reinhardt
Benny Goodman Quartet