Songs recorded by the likes of Dean Martin, the Every Brothers, Buddy Holly, Burl Ives etc and even the early Beatles are often requested when I perform. A few still like You Are My Sunshine etc but in the past six years since I have been entertaining at retirement homes etc much of the music they want has changed from the 1940s songs to those from the 50s and 60s.
But they still enjoy a few good quality folk and country ballads and Irish and Scottish songs especially those with an easy chorus they can sing along to.
And as for those songs from the musicals, I leave those to the choirs that come along - and the residents love them.