Al Hirt, ’I Can’t Get Started’ (Vernon Duke / Ira Gershwin)

Al Hirt plays ’I Can’t Get Started’ on ’The Ed Sullivan Show’, May 12, 1963. ’I Can’t Get Started’ was written in 1936 by the Russian-American composer and songwriter Vernon Duke (1903-1969), with lyrics by Ira Gershwin (1896-1983). The song was introduced that year in the revue ’Ziegfeld Follies’ of 1936, where it was performed by Bob Hope and Eve Arden. Al Hirt , trumpet Pee-Wee Spitelera (1937-1985), clarinet Jerry Hirt, trombone Al Hirt (1922-1999) was an American trumpeter, composer, arranger, bandleader, singer, actor and impresario. He is considered one of the greatest trumpet players of all time.