First Recording of the ‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’

The ‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ holds a special place in every Sigma Chi’s heart.  It was one of the first Sigma Chi songs we learn and one we continue to sing at every Sig event and brother’s wedding.

Most Beloved College Fraternity Song

Often called the most beloved and popular of college fraternity songs, “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” was written in 1911 by Byron D. Stokes (Albion Class of 1913) and F. Dudleigh Vernor (Albion Class of 1914). Stokes had written the words while in class one June day that year, and presented them that afternoon to Vernor, who was practicing the piano in a local house, and composed the music at that time. The song has since become a favorite among ballroom orchestras and was used in two movie musicals of the same name, in 1933 and 1946.  (There is even a recording by Dean Martin. https://youtu.be/1auGmrvF25M )

When asked about the song’s inspiration, Stokes replied, “The ‘Sweetheart’ is the symbol for the spiritual ingredient in brotherhood. It was the Sigma Chi fraternity itself that inspired the song. I wrote the words not long after my initiation, and the magic of our Ritual with its poetic overtones and undertones was, I suppose, the source of my inspiration”.

First Recording of the Sweetheart Song

In a handwritten note sent to the chapter around 1980 Edward Nell, Jr. ’22 wrote, “Thought that perhaps Delta Delta might like to have this – the first recording of the “Sweetheart Song” ever made.  It was recorded in 1923 which was before the days of the microphone, nearly 57 years ago!  Don’t expect Hi-Fi even if you can still play 78 rpm records.” 

The first recording of the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi was sung by Nell and recorded by Fraternity Record House in Plymouth, Indiana. The record and Nell’s note are now on display in the chapter Library.

The first ever recording of the ‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ sung by Edward Nell, Jr. ’22.

‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ Sheet Music

Also on display at the Delta Delta chapter house is a framed copy of the 28^th Edition (1927) ‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ sheet music.  According to Chris Horney ’08 this sheet music was found in his grandmother’s old piano music many, many years ago.  Chris’s mom had the sheet music framed and donated to Delta Delta on behalf of her two Sigma Chi son’s, Matt ’06 and Chris Horney ’08.

1927 ‘Sweetheart of Sigma Chi’ Sheet Music