Chicago (That Toddlin' Town) is a 1922 song written by Fred Fisher that offers a playful portrait of Chicago’s lively past, with references to State Street and the city’s colorful characters. The title has appeared as Chicago or That Toddlin’ Town in the sheet music, and the lyrics convey the city’s jazzy, theatrical spirit. It has been recorded by many artists, with the best known versions by Frank Sinatra, Ben Selvin and Judy Garland. Sinatra released it in 1957 as a Capitol single - B-side to All the Way - and it reached number 84 on the US charts and number 21 in the UK, also featuring in the film The Joker Is Wild. Judy Garland performed it on her 1961 Judy at Carnegie Hall album, and Sergio Franchi issued an Italian version for RCA Victor in 1964; the tune remains a staple of vocal jazz and traditional pop.
