1922 When the Leaves Come Tumbling Down – Leo Feist Fox Trot Ballad

When the Leaves Come Tumbling Down Feist Jazz Age Fox Trot Ballad

Published in 1922 by Leo Feist, Inc., When the Leaves Come Tumbling Down reflects the transitional Jazz Age moment when sentimental ballads were adapted to fox trot rhythm for popular dance orchestras.

Composed by Richard Howard who wrote nearly 150 songs during his career, this title became one of his early hits. It was recorded in 1922 by the Clyde Doerr Orchestra on the Victor label and gained popularity as one of the year’s notable dance numbers. Howard later became known for Somebody Else Is Taking My Place (words were inscribed on his gravestone) and wrote I Believe in the Man in the Sky, later performed by Elvis Presley.

The cover features a delicately illustrated young woman seated beneath autumn branches, leaves drifting around her — a romantic seasonal motif consistent with early 1920s fashion and illustration trends. The artist’s interlocked “JR” monogram appears on the front, a style commonly used by Feist illustrators of the period.

The small scroll of the cover reads: “You can’t go wrong with any Feist Song” — a branding emblem Feist used between approximately 1920 and 1924, helping to confirm the publication window.

Good vintage condition. Tiny corner chip and light edge wear. Previous owner’s name in pencil on front. Stitched binding rather than folded format.

Listen to the Clyde Doerr and His Orchestra recording of When the Leaves Come Falling Down here.