Heat Wave is a classic American show tune written by Irving Berlin for the 1933 musical As Thousands Cheer, introduced by Ethel Waters. It became a hit with three charting versions in 1933 by Ethel Waters, Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra with Mildred Bailey on vocals, and Meyer Davis with Charlotte Murray. The song has appeared on numerous albums over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook (1958), Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings (1956), and Patti LuPone Sings Irving Berlin (1995). It has been featured in films such as Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938) performed by Ethel Merman, Blue Skies (1946) performed by Olga San Juan, and Marilyn Monroe's number in There's No Business Like Show Business (1954). A brief version is heard in White Christmas (1954) in a medley by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The tune belongs to the show tune and Tin Pan Alley tradition and is closely associated with the Broadway and big band era.
