The song of the day for Saturday, February 15, 2014 is “So Long, Big Time.” We are pleased to honor the memory of great Harold Arlen, who was born on this day in 1905.
About This Song
Harold Arlen wrote “So Long, Big Time!” in 1963, with lyrics by Dory Langdon Previn. It’s one Arlen’s later songs, but it’s unmistakably written by Harold Arlen. Today’s version by Tony Bennett appears to be the first recording of “So Long, Big Time!” Bill Evans recorded it with Swedish jazz singer Monica Zetterlund and his trio in 1964 for his album Waltz For Debby, which you can listen to on Spotify.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “So Long, Big Time” in September, 1963 for his 1964 album The Many Moods Of Tony. This song was arranged by Marty Manning and conducted by Arlen himself.
http://open.spotify.com/track/3KjtHoSOKmduvJYnYnhoW3
“So Long, Big Time,” as well as the album The Many Moods of Tony, is available from iTunes.
We’re also pleased to include this video segment from the 1999 Harold Arlen documentary Somewhere Over the Rainbow, that shows the recording session in the CBS 30th Street Studio when today’s song was recorded. And yes, that’s Harold Arlen conducting. Keep your eyes peeled for the glorious smile from Arlen at about 2:08 through 2:20. Arlen’s joy in the song is wonderful.
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