September in the Rain

September in the Rain is a popular song composed by Harry Warren with lyrics by Al Dubin, originally written for the 1935 film Stars Over Broadway and later featured in the 1937 film Melody for Two, where it was introduced by James Melton. The song is a nostalgic ballad evoking autumnal imagery of rain and romance, with a direct, rhythmic melody that carries enough swing to lift it beyond pure sentimentality. Warren and Dubin wrote the tune during their prolific collaboration on over twenty movie musicals in the 1930s, a partnership that produced enduring standards including I Only Have Eyes for You, Lullaby of Broadway, and You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me. Tommy Dorsey's 1937 recording reached number one, and the song charted again through George Shearing's version in the late 1940s and The Chimes' 1960 doo-wop revival. In jazz, the tune has served as a vehicle for players across generations, with notable interpretations by Don Byas, Clifford Brown, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and John Coltrane, among many others. Muggsy Spanier's 1944 recording was particularly influential in transforming the ballad into a swinging jazz vehicle. The composition's adaptable structure has made it a durable part of the jazz repertoire, equally effective as a tender ballad or an up-tempo blowing vehicle.