Not really an instant classic, the song was first part of the 1924 score for the musical comedy "Lady, Be Good." After deletion from that show, it was included (lyrically as both "The Man I Love" and "The Girl I Love") in the Gershwins' 1927 government satire "Strike Up the Band," which closed out-of-town. It was also considered for, but rejected from, the 1928 Ziegfeld hit "Rosalie."

Finally, torch singer Helen Morgan, who typically performed while draped over the top of a piano, gave the song its first true voice with her interpretation--and it was recorded by five different artists in 1928.