Tune Tuesday: P.S. I Love You

 

Tune Tuesday: P.S. I Love You – A Hidden Gem from 1934

Good morning, and welcome to another Tune Tuesday! Today, we’re taking a step back to 1934 to explore a beautiful ballad that might not be as widely known as some jazz standards, but it’s definitely worth listening to. The song is P.S. I Love You, and while it hasn’t always been in the spotlight, it’s a classic that I’ve come to love over the years.

A Love Letter in Song

P.S. I Love You was written by Gordon Jenkins, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Released in 1934 by the great Rudy Vallee, the song initially didn’t get much attention. In fact, it stayed relatively quiet for nearly two decades before being revived by The Hilltoppers in 1953. From there, the song slowly gained a bit more recognition, with artists like The Vogues taking a turn at it in the 1960s, and even country musician Tom T. Hall recording a version in 1989.

While it hasn’t reached the same level of fame as other jazz standards, P.S. I Love You has a quiet elegance that has earned it a dedicated place in the hearts of those who appreciate the beauty of classic songwriting.

Why I Love This Song

What makes P.S. I Love You stand out is its heartfelt lyrics and simple yet unforgettable melody. The song centers around the theme of writing a love letter to a partner—a sentiment that is timeless and relatable. The melody is lush, with a romantic warmth that makes it perfect for a jazz ballad.

It’s a piece that isn’t often talked about in the same breath as other greats, but that’s part of its charm. For me, it’s one of those hidden gems that deserves more attention. Artists like Diana Krall have done stunning renditions of the song, breathing new life into it and bringing out its true depth.

A Classic with a Timeless Feel

Musically, P.S. I Love You captures the elegance of the early 20th century jazz era. The song’s melody is easy to hum along with, and its simplicity allows for rich harmonic exploration, which is what makes it so enjoyable to play on guitar. For jazz musicians, it’s a perfect example of how a ballad can convey emotion without needing complex chords or rhythms. Sometimes, less is more, and that’s certainly true here.

I find it incredibly rewarding to perform this song, as it allows for a lot of expressive freedom. Whether you’re playing it with a full band or simply on guitar, the emotional impact of P.S. I Love You is undeniable.

Join Me for Today’s Performance

As always, I’m wearing my Casio Duro (sometimes called the Marlin dive watch) and my gold Tweed tie today, both of which are linked in the description if you’re curious. If you’ve been enjoying these videos, don’t forget to like and subscribe, as I post new content every Tuesday and Thursday. Your support really helps keep this community growing!

Now, without further ado, enjoy my performance of P.S. I Love You. It’s a song that has been close to my heart for some time, and I’m excited to share it with you today. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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