Mildred Bailey made the first notable recording of "The Lamp is Low" for Vocalion Records (catalog No. 4845) on April 24, 1939.[1] Covers by various other musicians quickly followed, including one by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra (vocal by Jack Leonard) recorded on May 1, 1939 on Victor Records (catalog No. 26259). The Dorsey version was a hit[2] and helped the song to feature on the hit parade in 1939 for nine weeks. The song continues to be a favorite of jazz musicians.[3]
Other recordings
Dorothy Lamour - Bluebird-B-10302-A - recorded on April 26, 1939 with Lou Bring's Orchestra.[4]