Sweet Adeline (song)

"(You're the Flower of My Heart,) Sweet Adeline" is a ballad best known as a barbershop standard. It was first published in 1903, with lyrics by Richard H. Gerard to music by Harry Armstrong, from a tune he had written in 1896 at the age of 18. According to a 1928 newspaper story, the lyrics were inspired "by a girl who worked at the music counter of a New York department store." After failing to find a publisher with the initial title, "You're the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Rosalie", according to a story the two decided a new title was in order and were inspired by a poster advertising the farewell tour of opera singer Adelina Patti. It did not become a hit until it was performed in 1904 by the group The Quaker City Four.

John F. Fitzgerald, who served as mayor of Boston, represented Massachusetts in Congress and was the maternal grandfather of President John F. Kennedy, made "Sweet Adeline" his theme song in 1909. Over the next four decades, he personally sang it at countless political and social events and on the radio.

A piece of "Sweet Adeline" was featured in Broadway Folly, a 1930 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon.

The song was performed by The Marx Brothers in their 1931 film Monkey Business.

The song was covered by jam band Phish in several live performances.

The Seekers used the song as a regular part of their live act in the 1960s; lead vocalist Judith Durham would sit out the song while Athol Guy, Keith Potger, and Bruce Woodley would perform the song as a barbershop trio. The song was included on their 1968 album, The Seekers Live at the Talk of the Town.

Country music pioneer Jimmie Rodgers references "Sweet Adeline" in his song "My Old Pal".

Mickey Mouse serenades Minnie Mouse with "Sweet Adeline" in the 1929 short The Karnival Kid.

"Sweet Adeline" is referenced in the barbershop songs, "Down Our Way" and "I Love That Barbershop Style" as well as many other popular barbershop songs.