The Folks Who Live on the Hill is a 1937 popular song composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the film High, Wide and Handsome. It was introduced by Irene Dunne in the movie and quickly became a hit that year with Bing Crosby’s Decca recording, and Guy Lombardo also enjoyed chart success in 1937. The song tells the story of Darby and Joan, a couple who dream of a simple home on a hill and a life together through the years, growing from newlyweds to grandparents and still identifying as “the folks who live on the hill.” It has since become a jazz and pop standard, covered by many artists in various genres. A notable later association is Peggy Lee’s 1957 album The Man I Love, where her version was arranged by Nelson Riddle and conducted by Frank Sinatra. Over the years it has been recorded by Diana Krall, Nina Simone, Tony Bennett, Jo Stafford, Johnny Mathis, Eric Clapton and many others, securing its place in the American songbook.
