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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

February 6, 2015 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Sophisticated Lady

The song of the day for Friday, February 6, 2015 is “Sophisticated Lady.”

About This Song

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Duke Ellington wrote “Sophisticated Lady” in 1932 as an instrumental. Lyrics were added later by Mitchell Parish and Irving Mills. Ellington is said to have been inspired to write this song by two of his grade school teachers, who toured Europe in the summers after teaching all year. “To me that spelled sophistication.” “Sophisticated Lady” was first recorded in 1933 on the flip side with Harold Arlen’s “Stormy Weather.” It is, of course, one of Ellington’s most popular and often-played songs. In addition to numerous recordings by Ellington over the years, the song has been recorded by Art Tatum, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hodges, Sarah Vaughan, and Glenn Miller.

About This Version

Today’s version is from Tony Bennett’s wonderful Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, released in 1999, the centennial year of Ellington’s birth. It’s a lovely, quiet arrangement that features Gray Sargent on guitar and Joel Smirnoff on violin.

About Today

Today’s song was a request from a good friend of the blog. We’re always happy to honor your request for an upcoming song of the day. Just leave a comment and we’ll be happy to oblige.

Sophisticated Lady

Listen to Sophisticated Lady on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1999.


“Sophisticated Lady,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available from iTunes.

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Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish

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