Can You Hum A Few Bars? : Saluting the Valley in Song

L.A. Times Archives

March 20, 1994 12 AM PT

It was like a beacon that drew thousands west, with talk of the “cow country” and visions of forwarding mail “care of RFD.” Moviegoers were the first to hear the call in a 1944 Roy Rogers western. But it was Bing Crosby’s recording of “San Fernando Valley” soon afterward that was on the lips of people throughout the country.

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the song hitting the Billboard charts, climbing to No. 1 on April 29, 1944. It was on the charts a total of 22 weeks--five weeks at the top position--competing with such tunes as “Cow-Cow Boogie” and “Mairzy Doats.” It caught the attention of GI’s looking for a place to settle down and raise a family after World War II.

The late composer-arranger-conductor Gordon Jenkins wrote the catchy song when he lived in Sherman Oaks, after moving here from New York. “I remember him saying it was going to pay for the house,” said a son, Gordon Jenkins Jr.

The song was re-released on CD last year by MCA in a commemorative box set titled “Bing Crosby--His Legendary Years.” “It was one of his least favorite, but it was one of the most popular,” said another son, Bruce Jenkins.

Searching for A Song

New Yorkers have “New York, New York.” San Franciscans have “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Pasadena has “The Little Old Lady From Pasadena.”

And what does Los Angeles have as its anthem? One songwriter suggested “I Left My Liver in the L.A. River.” Honest. It was one of thousands of tunes written during Los Angeles’ long search for an official song. Although Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” was honored with a proclamation by the Los Angeles City Council, the officials declined to declare it the city’s official song.

“I’m Just From Encino...”

Gordon Jenkins is not the only songwriter to mention the Valley. Some examples:

“Free Fallin’ ” by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (1989)

Written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne

“It’s a long day living in Reseda/There’s a freeway running through the yard”

“All the vampires walking through the Valley/Move west down Ventura Boulevard”

“I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman (1983)

Written by Randy Newman

“Victory Boulevard (We love it)”

“Bad Sneakers” by Steeley Dan (1975)

Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen

“I can see the latest talking how the times are getting hard/