Young and Foolish is a popular jazz standard from the mid-1950s. It was composed by Albert Hague with lyrics by Arnold B. Horwitt and published in 1954. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Plain and Fancy (1955–56), with a notable live debut by David Daniels and Gloria Marlowe on January 27, 1955, and the first released recording by Billy Fields in January 1955. The tune sits in the jazz/pop standard genre and has been recorded by many artists over the years.
Key facts:
- Eddie Fisher’s 1965 version reached No 25 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart.
- Notable covers include Dean Martin (UK No 20 in 1956), Jo Stafford (1955), Ronnie Hilton (UK No 17 in 1956), Edmund Hockridge (UK No 10 in 1956), Johnny Mathis (Love Is Everything, 1965), Gogi Grant (Torch Time, 1959), and Nancy Wilson (From Broadway with Love, 1966).
- Instrumental and notable album appearances include Bill Evans on Everybody Digs Bill Evans (1959) and the Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album (1975). Bing Crosby also recorded it for his radio show in 1955.
- The song remains in the broad repertoire of Broadway and jazz standards and has been issued on numerous albums and in live performances.
