Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral by James Royce Shannon – Piano Improvisation by Charles Manning

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! In 1913, composer, lyricist, and actor James Royce Shannon wrote “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)” for the Tin Pan Alley musical “Shameen Dhu.” The Irish-American song was originally recorded by singer Chauncey Olcott in the same year. His popular single reached the top at No.1 on the music charts. The 1944 Bing Crosby version was performed in the film “Going My Way,” with the Crosby version also featured in the 1945 film “Nob Hill.” Bing Crosby’s single of the popular song sold over a million copies. Other performers who have recorded the song include Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, Perry Como, The Ames Brothers, Rosemary Clooney, Kate Smith, and The Irish Tenors. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, pianist Charles Manning improvises the hit Irish lullaby “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral.”