Carioca (song) same name by Fanchon and Marco. The word "Carioca" refers to inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro. Astaire and Roger's short dance has historical significance, as it was their first screen dance together. Though billed fourth and fifth, many felt they stole the film, which became a big hit for RKO. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 7th Academy Awards, but lost to an even bigger Astaire and Rogers production number, "The Continental" from "The Gay Divorcee" (1934), their next film together and their first starring vehicle. They were billed by RKO as
Life Is Beautiful (Fred Astaire song) Life Is Beautiful (Fred Astaire song) "Life Is Beautiful" is a 1974 song with music written by Fred Astaire and lyrics by Tommy Wolf. Tony Bennett was so impressed with the tune, it became the title track of his album of the same name in 1975. Bennett also performed the song as Astaire looked on during a March 1975 episode of "The Merv Griffin Show". The song became widely known as the closing theme for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson". In 1987, in memory of Astaire, who had died earlier that year, Carson closed out his 25th Anniversary special