The song of the day for Thursday, August 21, 2025, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?”
About Today
We are celebrating the great William James “Count” Basie, who was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. He was one of America’s greatest bandleaders in addition to his talents as a pianist and composer. Musicians who played with Basie include Lester Young, Freddie Green, Henry “Sweets Edison, and Al Gray.
About This Song
“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. George White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, and The Three Stooges.
About This Version
Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, for their first album, Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.
“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, is available on Apple Music.
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