I started learning “Heart and Soul” on the autoharp. And since it wasn't until college that I realized there were lyrics to the tune, I've always been enamoried with the idea of learning the vocal version so I am. But as I practiced and everytime I sang it, I could hear the voice of Jimmy Durante. And my imitation wasn't too bad. So I've spent the last couple o'days trying to capture me singing like Jimmy Durante singing “Heart and Soul” on the autoharp.

The toughest part is the playing the solo on the autoharp. I have a good recording of me sounding like him, but the solo isn't quite there. So if I can get it soon, I'm gonna stick with the performance I have which sounds pretty cool. Not quite there, but pretty decent.

It's kinda funny imitating people. I'm not really good at imitating people themselves. But I'm good at imitating imitators.

For instance, Jimmy Durante. I had no idea who he was until yesterday. But I've known his voice all my life. Ralph the Mouth from Happy Days used to do his “Ha cha cha”. Spike from Tom and Jerry used his voice, as did Doggie Daddie from Hanna-Barbera. And he was the narrator in the Rankin-Bass animated TV special, Frosty the Snowman.

You also may've heard his version of “Time Goes By” and “Make Someone Happy” from the movie Sleepless in Seattle. And “You Made Me Love You” from You've Got Mail. Seems like there's another Meg Ryan movie that had Jimmy Durante singing too, but I can't remember what.

Anyway, when I get a final recording, I'll play it on my Pub Songs Podcast.