Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

"Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film Top Hat, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire.

The song title refers to the formal wear required on a party invitation: top hat, white tie, and a tailcoat.

Notable recordings

• Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Irving Berlin Songbook (1958)
• Cherry Poppin' Daddies - The Boop-A-Doo (2016)

Other appearances

The popular Norwegian meteorologist Kristian Trægde sang the song (and step-danced to it) on the TV show Skjemtegauken, in 1968.

In 1977 ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev sang the song on The Muppet Show, complete with tap dancing. In another episode, Gonzo tap danced to the song as well – except in a vat of oatmeal.

In a 1982 episode of Three's Company, Jack dances to the song while drunk at a party, and knocks things over as he does so.

The song is performed in 1989's Secret Policeman's Third Ball by comedian/satirist Willie Rushton, accompanied by Richard Vranch on piano, with Rushton dressing according to the lyrics of the song, noting that the lyrics neglect to mention the donning of trousers.

The song makes an appearance of the 2000 film Billy Elliot.