Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book

The song of the day for Thursday, October 9, 2014 is “I Could Write A Book.”

About This Song

“I Could Write a Book” was written for the Broadway musical Pal Joey by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, where it was introduced by Gene Kelly and Leila Ernst. This has always been an interesting song. Today it’s considered a lovely romantic number, but in the context of the musical, it’s sung as a phony love song in order to woo the innocent ingenue. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Betty Carter, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Bennett recorded “I Could Write a Book” for his 1973 album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released on his own Improv label. For this album, he is backed by the Ruby Braff – George Barnes Quartet, with Braff on cornet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar and John Guiffrida on bass. It’s a remarkably effective sound for these songs.

And yes, I’m not only on a Rodgers and Hart kick, but also a Pal Joey kick. Once I start listening to Rodgers and Hart, it’s very hard for me to stop.