Brazilian singer and pianist Dick Farney (Farnesio Dutra e Silva) was the first to record "Tenderly" (Gross - Lawrence) in 1947.

Rosemary Clooney (George's aunt) co-starred with Bing Crosby in "White Christmas" and had a house-load of hits. She took "Tenderly" into the top twenty in 1952 and it became her theme song for her television show.