The song of the day for Monday, June 8, 2015 is “Firefly.”
About This Song
Today’s song, “Firefly,” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1958 as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy (which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28 year old Stephen Sondheim).
About This Version
Tony Bennett first sang “Firefly” in 1958. After the producers decided to go with Jule Styne for the score, Coleman and Leigh gave the song to Tony Bennett, who recorded it twice in 1958, first a studio recording and later live with The Count Basie Orchestra. He also sang in on several recorded concerts including the 1962 Carnegie Hall Concert and the 1964 Live at The Sahara. It’s a great, funny song and this recording by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga is lots of fun. The arrangement is by Steve Kortyka, who also plays the saxophone in Lady Gaga’s band.
About Today
This evening Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga perform the first of two concerts in London at The Royal Albert Hall. For our readers who are attending one of these concerts, have a great time!
“Firefly,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.
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