The song of the day for Friday, October 28, 2016 is “Trav’lin’ Light.”
About This Song
“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942, with music by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocal; this same recording was distributed as V-disc in 1944 to soldiers during World War II. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn and Sonny Rollins.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday, his album of songs made famous by Billie Holiday.
I have to say that I absolutely adore this song: the song itself, the Paul Whitman version with Billie Holiday, and this beautiful and heartbreaking recording by Tony Bennett.
“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.
And while we’re at it, here’s the 1942 version with Billie Holiday with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. I never cared for Paul Whiteman until I heard this recording; it’s absolutely wonderful.
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