The song of the day for Friday, June 7, 2019, is “Don’t Cry Baby.”
About This Song
“Don’t Cry Baby” was written by James P. Johnson, Saul Bernie, and Stella Unger in 1928. Jimmy Johnson was a composer and pianist who, along with Jelly Roll Morton, came into prominence in the era between ragtime and the stride piano techniques in early jazz. Saul Bernie and Stella Unger were both composers who were active in the 1920s. It was first sung by Bessie Smith in 1929. Erskine Hawkins recorded it in 1943; this version reached #1 on the Harlem Hit Parade in 1943 and #15 on the popular charts. Etta James recorded it in 1961 as well.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Don’t Cry Baby” in 2001 for his album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. This recording features Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.
“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues, is available from iTunes.
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