Song of the Day: If I Could Be With You

The song of the day for Sunday, December 4, 2016 is “If I Could Be With You.”

About This Song

Pianist James P. Johnson, who wrote this song with lyrics by Henry Creamer, made a piano roll of it in 1927, the same year it was used in the revue Brownskin Models. In 1930, there were several successful recordings, including those by Louis Armstrong and Ruth Etting. Other recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Kay Starr and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “If I Could Be With You” in 1996 for his 2007 album of Billie Holiday songs Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“If I Could Be With You,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.