The song of the day for Saturday, February 13, 2016 is “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe.”
About This Song
Today’s song, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1943 film version of Cabin in the Sky featured Miss Waters with the role of Joe played by Eddie Anderson. The song not used in the original Broadway version of Cabin in the Sky, produced in 1941.
As we speak, Encores! at the New York City Center is producing a staged concert version of the original score of Cabin in the Sky (and to rave reviews). For this presentation, and with the permission of all the estates associated with the Broadway production, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” was used in this concert version. I still have my fingers crossed for a recording.
About This Version
Tony Bennett, with only Ralph Sharon on piano, recorded “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” in 1959 for the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in 1961.
“Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.
About Today
Our video today is Ethel Waters singing “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” to her husband, played by Eddie Anderson. And yes, that’s Butterfly McQueen at the very beginning.
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