The song of the day for Monday, January 8, 2024, is “Honeysuckle Rose.”
About This Song
“Honeysuckle Rose” was written in 1929 by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Andy Razaf. It’s one of Waller’s better-known songs and for good reason. The tune is very well written and Razaf’s lyrics are delightful. Waller recorded the song in 1934 and that recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song has been recorded steadily throughout the years, including the one by Lena Horne in 1963.
Tony Bennett and Lena Horne did a show together in 1973 on Broadway. You can read more about here; the article includes a video of the show that they made in England after the Broadway run.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Honeysuckle Rose” in July 1995 for Here’s To The Ladies. For this album, Bennett recorded songs associated with some of the best female singers in the 20th century, including Barbra Streisand, Doris Day, Margaret Whiting, and many more. This song was chosen in honor of Lena Horne. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.
“Honeysuckle Rose,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.
We’ve got a special treat today! John and Bucky Pizzarelli performing “Honeysuckle Rose” in 2002 at the MAC (Manhatten Association of Cabarets) Awards, followed by “Route 66.” Guitar playing doesn’t get any better than this.
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