A Melodic Tribute to the New Year

Bing Crosby’s ‘Let’s Start the New Year Right’ is perfect for holiday celebrations.

“Let’s Start the New Year Right” from the 1942 film “Holiday Inn” pays musical tribute to the New Year's Eve holiday. Paramount Pictures

The New Year’s holiday is a unique tradition honoring the past and the future; just as one chapter closes, another opens. When it comes to the holiday’s music, those celebrating often sing along to “Auld Lang Syne” as they cheer the clock striking midnight. Although popular, the traditional Scottish ballad isn’t the only choice for ringing in the new year.

Singer and actor Bing Crosby gave those celebrating the grand finale of the holiday rush another option in 1942 when he released the romantic, yearning number “Let’s Start the New Year Right,” included in his hit film “Holiday Inn.”

The festive tune was written by one of America’s pivotal songwriters who had a knack for capturing the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season in three-minute recordings.

A Love Story Unfolds

Cast of the 1942 film "Holiday Inn": (L–R) Bing Crosby as Jim, Fred Astaire as Ted, Marjorie Reynolds as Linda, and Virginia Dale as Lila. Paramount Pictures

The award-winning musical film set the stage for one of Crosby’s biggest acting roles. He played Jim, a musician and inn owner looking for a new start following the disbandment of his musical group.

In the film, although Jim is in love with bandmate Lila, she is in love with the dancer of their trio, Ted, played by Fred Astaire. Ultimately, Jim parts ways with them.

While healing from heartbreak, he opens his inn as a holidays-only venue featuring live performances and becomes smitten with the leading lady he books, Linda, played by Marjorie Reynolds. But soon, Ted returns to the inn and threatens Jim’s blossoming romance. A love story unfolds through much of the film, with plenty of singing and dancing to keep viewers entertained.

Irving Berlin

One of America’s most influential songwriters, Irving Berlin, penned the music for the film. He was also the creator behind the film’s storyline. His classic ballad “White Christmas” made its debut in the film and has since become recognized as one of the bestselling singles of all time. But another song from the film, “Let’s Start the New Year Right,” pays tribute to the New Year’s Eve holiday.

Crosby sings the gentle, joyous number to Linda before joining guests at the inn celebrating the incoming new year with a party. He begins the tune with a few simple lines.

One minute to midnight One minute to go One minute to say goodbye Before we say hello

He sings about their “hopes as high as a kite” and ends the song with a question for Linda: “How can our love go wrong if/ We start the new year right?”

During the celebration, the reflective song segues into a featured instrumental number as Astaire’s character returns to the inn, leading him into an 18th-century dance routine with Linda as his partner.

Building Legacy

The popularity of “White Christmas” made the single a holiday classic. The effortless feel of “Let’s Start the New Year Right,” combined with a timeless message conveyed in a melody easy to sing along with, made the “Holiday Inn” song a Berlin classic.

The Russian-born composer immigrated to America at just 5 years old. Over the course of his music career spanning six decades, he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, according to the Discography of American Historical Recordings, making him one of the most prolific and impactful songwriters in U.S. history.

American songwriter and composer Irving Berlin performs for a CBS Radio show, circa 1935. Archive Photos/Getty Images

“The career of Irving Berlin and American music were intertwined forever—American music was born at his piano,” violinist Isaac Stern once said of Berlin’s legacy.

“Let’s Start the New Year Right” makes for the perfect soundtrack as you welcome a new year and new opportunities.

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