Tune Tuesday: Could It Be You?

 

Could It Be You? – A Forgotten Cole Porter Gem

Some tunes become jazz standards, played and reinterpreted by musicians for decades. Others, while just as brilliantly written, remain hidden gems—waiting for those who love digging into musical history. Could It Be You?, written by Cole Porter in 1943, falls into that second category. Though not as widely known as Night and Day or I Get a Kick Out of You, this playful, melodic song deserves a closer look.

A Broadway Comedy with Classic Cole Porter Wit

Could It Be You? was written for the musical Something for the Boys, a wartime comedy that debuted on Broadway on January 7, 1943. The story follows a group of cousins who inherit a ranch next to an army base—naturally, chaos ensues. Porter, known for his clever lyrics and sophisticated melodies, composed a score that blended humor, charm, and romance. The show was a success, running for a full year with 422 performances at the Alvin Theatre.

While Something for the Boys isn’t frequently revived today, its music has lived on. Porter’s ability to craft a catchy, yet harmonically rich tune is on full display in Could It Be You?, making it a fascinating piece for jazz musicians to explore.

Why This Tune Deserves More Love

One of the joys of jazz and theater music is rediscovering songs that have faded from the mainstream. Could It Be You? has all the ingredients of a great jazz tune: a memorable melody, interesting chord changes, and plenty of space for creative improvisation. For guitarists, it’s a fantastic study in phrasing and swing-era harmony.

Porter’s music is often associated with lush orchestration and big Broadway performances, but stripped down to just a guitar, Could It Be You? reveals its elegance in a different way. It’s a reminder of why his work continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Watch the Performance

Let’s bring this tune back into the spotlight. If you love discovering overlooked gems or just enjoy classic jazz and Broadway songwriting, check out my performance of Could It Be You?. And if you have a favorite tune you’d love to hear, drop it in the comments—I’m always up for a deep dive into great music. CLICK HERE.

If you’ve been enjoying these Tune Tuesday sessions, don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected. See you next time!

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


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

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