"My Cousin in Milwaukee" is a song composed by

George Gershwin George Gershwin (; born Jacob Gershwine; September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned popular, jazz and classical genres. Among his best-known works are the orchestral compositions ' ...

with lyrics by

Ira Gershwin Ira Gershwin (born Israel Gershovitz; December 6, 1896 – August 17, 1983) was an American lyricist who collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs in the English language of the 2 ...

. It was introduced in their 1932 musical ''

Pardon My English ''Pardon My English'' is a musical with a book by Herbert Fields and Morrie Ryskind, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and music by George Gershwin. Set in 1933 Dresden, the farcical plot satirizes the Prohibition era. Production history Producers Alex A ...

''. the song, indeed the show, was not a particular hit, although there's a number of vintage recordings of the tune. Among them; * Victor Arden-Phil Ohman & their Orchestra (Victor 24206) * Lyda Roberti+ with Eddy Duchin and his Central Park Casino Orchestra (Brunswick unissued) (+ There has been an ongoing debate about the vocalist by collectors. Many people believe the singer is Gertrude Neisen, who was known for her accurate impersonation of Roberti.)

Notable recordings

Ella Fitzgerald Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917June 15, 1996) was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, in ...

- ''

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook ''Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book'' is a box set by American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald that contains songs by George and Ira Gershwin with arrangements by Nelson Riddle. It was produced by Norman Granz, Fitzgerald' ...

'' (1959) *Arnetia Walker, complete score recording of "Pardon My English", 1994 Roxbury/Electra/Nonesuch

References

Songs with music by George Gershwin Songs with lyrics by Ira Gershwin Songs from musicals 1932 songs Songs about Wisconsin {{Show-tune-stub