Tin Pan Alley is on West 28th in NYC, between 5th and 6th Avenues, but it references much more than a location and a few buildings that are now designated as landmarks. This is where the magic was created by songwriters composing for the live theater on Broadway. The term "Tin Pan" was slang at the time for a "decrepit old piano." Almost all of the songwriters used the piano as their writing instrument as guitars were mainly for rhythm and comping.

Frank Loesser was among the workaday songwriters who would achieve widespread renown. He won both a Tony and Pulitzer for arguably the greatest of all Broadway plays, Guys and Dolls, an Emmy for the movie Hans Christian Andersen, and wrote hit songs such as "Baby, It's Cold Outside," "Heart and Soul," "On A Slow Boat to China," and the tune that concerns us here—"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"

According to Loesser's daughter, Susan, being lumped in with December holiday songs always irritated her father because critics were missing the point. Supposedly, the singer is madly in love and impetuously wishes to make a commitment several months before the final day of the year is crossed off the calendar. In the bridge, she (or he) poses the jackpot question in advance during springtime. Maybe it's much too early in the game. Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same—What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?

Margaret Whiting was the first singer to have the song released in 1947, and apparently, she failed to get the memo from Loesser about its intent because she added a snippet of "Auld Lang Syne" at the end. Two years later, the song made its first appearance on the charts with a version by a doo-wop band, the Orioles, that features soulful flourishes in the tradition of black music artists.

The narrator's curiosity about who will be with their love interest when the clock strikes midnight is a universal sentiment that resonates with listeners of all ages and genders. It is a great question. All symbolism aside, will anyone be part of your life during this significant moment of transition? The song's ability to evoke emotions and spark introspection is a testament to its timeless appeal. The way it captures the complexities of human longings and doubts draws you in like a magnet, an invisible force field that wraps around your heart and tugs. The listener is hesitant, as if thinking why choose to be with me, but hope does spring eternal.

The ten songs listed—some vocal, others instrumental—represent the full range of emotions depending upon how the artist chooses to approach the song. As we prepare to ring in the new year, sample them as you would the varying degrees of ripeness in a bin of peaches at the supermarket. Pick from them one that suits you best while remembering that peaches bruise easily.

10. The Orioles (1949)

Way back in the midpoint of the 20th century, black vocal groups rarely had crossover appeal. The Orioles reached #9 on the r&b charts, however. Lead vocalist Sonny Till soulfully delivers most of the lyrics while George Nelson subs in during part of the second half. It has that vibrant appeal that the Isley Brothers would upgrade years later. Both Nelson and Reed were seriously injured in an auto accident a year later, (1950) the crash killing guitarist Tommy Gaither.

9. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox (2017)

There is a lot going on here with vocals being shared by Rayvon Owen and Olivia Kuper-Harris. Bradlee's band includes