The song of the day for Wednesday, February 17, 2016 is “It’s Only A Paper Moon.”
About This Song
Today’s song, “It’s Only A Paper Moon,” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely recorded.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Only A Paper Moon” in 1998 for his lovely children’s album The Playground. The album was produced by Tony Bennett and Danny Bennett; the musical consultant was Bobby Tucker, who was pianist and arranger for both Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine. The song features The Ralph Sharon Quartet, with Grey Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums. It’s fun, swingy arrangement.
(It’s Only) A Paper Moon
“It’s Only A Paper Moon,” as well as The Playground, is available from iTunes.
It’s very wonderful song!