The song of the day for Friday, January 12, 2018 is “Laura.”
About This Song
“Laura” was written by David Raksin, with lyrics from Johnny Mercer, for the 1944 film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for The Bad and the Beautiful, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again), his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” in 1959 for the album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. Frank DeVol did the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.
“Laura,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from iTunes.
Great pick. One of the most beautiful and haunting melodies ever. Mercer’s lyrics made it a classic. In my long career as a singer and musician, this song continues to be one of my favorites to perform. I actually learned it from the very album that you mentioned, “To My Wonderful One”.