I'm Sitting on Top of the World

"I'm Sitting on Top of the World" is a popular song with music written by Ray Henderson and lyrics by Sam M. Lewis and Joe Young. It was published in 1925.

The song was most likely first recorded by Art Gillham (‘the Whispering Pianist’), who recorded ‘I'm Sitting on Top of the World’ on 24 October 1925. Al Jolson's recording is generally attributed to 1926. It was used in the 1928 part-talkie film "The Singing Fool" starring Al Jolson. In February 1926, Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra's 1925 recording of I'm Sitting On Top Of The World charted at #9.

Notable cover versions

Notable interpretations have been recorded by these performers:

• Bobby Darin
• Doris Day
• Mary Ford
• The Four Aces with the Jack Pleis Orchestra
• Dizzy Gillespie
• Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra
• Jerry Lewis
• Taj Mahal & Corey Harris
• Dean Martin
• Les Paul
• Carl Perkins
• Frank Sinatra
• Gordon Smith

Additionally, the song "I'm On My Way" by The Proclaimers makes reference to the song, saying "I'd have Al Jolson sing 'I'm sittin' on top of the world'."

The song was a major revival in a 1952 version by Les Paul and Mary Ford. Aretha Franklin recorded the song for her album The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962).

Appearances of the song

Jolson's recording (1926) was played:

• In the closing sequence of Richard Loncraine's film Richard III (1995).
• During the opening montage of 1930s New York City in the 2005 remake of King Kong
• As part of the soundtrack of Woody Allen's film "Zelig" (1983).