The song of the day for Monday, April 9, 2018 is “Close Your Eyes.”
About This Song
“Close Your Eyes” was written in 1933 by Bernice Petkere. Irving Berlin named her the “Queen of Tin Pan Alley.” A vaudeville performer as a child, she sold her first song in 1931, “Starlight,” recorded by Bing Crosby. “Close Your Eyes” is her most well-known song. The song started getting jazz treatments in the 1950s, starting with a great duet from Coleman Hawkins and Milt Jackson.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Close Your Eyes” in 1955, featuring the Ray Charles Singers and an arrangement by Percy Faith; it was released as a single that year. He recorded the same song in 1953, featuring The Pastels and an arrangement by Gil Evans; this version was released on a compilation LP named Because Of You.
“Close Your Eyes,” as well as the songs included on The Columbia Singles, Volume 3, is available from iTunes.
Tony also recorded this great tune with Ralph Burns in 1961 on “My Heart Sings”. All of the recordings are wonderful. I really enjoy the background that you give for each song of the day. Truly great work. Teejay
Thank you for writing. I love Tony’s work with Ralph Burns. Can’t imagine why I forgot to mention it. I’m glad you enjoy my labor of love.