The song of the day for Saturday 2, 2025, is “Day Dream.”
About This Song
“Day Dream” was written in 1939 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington (though it seems certain that it was written completely by Strayhorn), with lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1940 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano; the song was written for Johnny Hodges. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in May 1999 for his album in tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The album was released on Ellington’s centenary birthday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.
“Day Dream,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.
The original 1940 recording seems to have been lost. However, Johnny Hodges and Billy Strayhorn made this recording of “Day Dream” in 1961 for their album Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra, which Strayhorn conducted.
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