Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Monday, March 26, 2018 is “Solitude.”

About This Song

One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session in 1934, as they were one number short (Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). The lyrics were added later (as was customary for many of Duke Ellington’s songs) and were written by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Today’s version of “Solitude” is from Bennett’s 19625 concert at Carnegie Hall; the recording can be found on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

“Solitude,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.