Song of the Day: I Cover The Waterfront

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 25, 2015 is “I Cover The Waterfront.”

About This Song

“I Cover The Waterfront” was written in 1933 by Johnny Green with lyrics by Edward Heyman. It was inspired by the 1932 novel of the same name by Max Miller, which was also made into a film and re-scored just prior to release to include the Johnny Green song. It has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and even John Lee Hooker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett included “I Cover The Waterfront” on his wonderful album about New York: Hometown, My Town, released in 1959. It features a wonderful arrangement by Ralph Burns and, as usual, is sung perfectly by Mr. Bennett.

I was listening to a new-to-me box set of Billie Holiday’s Verve recordings in the last decade of her life today, on which she sang a powerful rendition of “I Cover The Waterfront.” I knew then I wanted to feature Tony singing the same great song.

“I Cover The Waterfront,” as well Hometown, My Town, is available from iTunes.