The song of the day for Saturday, February 6, 2016 is “Stormy Weather.”
About This Song
“Stormy Weather” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the Cotton Club, where is was introduced by Ethel Waters. Lena Horne, who sang with Tony Bennett in the 1970s, recorded this song in 1943 and remains strongly associated with it. It has also been recorded by Kay Starr, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
About This Version
Today’s version of “Stormy Weather” the duet sung by Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole on Bennett’s 2001 album Playin’ With My Friends. The vocal arrangement is by Rob Mathes.
“Stormy Weather,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends, is available from iTunes.
About Today
Today would have been the 66th birthday of Natalie Cole. I am still somewhat in shock over her death last year and miss her voice–she was a wonderful singer. Happy birthday, Natalie.
It’s also video Saturday. Alas, no videos exist of Ethel Waters singing “Stormy Weather,” but there are recordings and before I offer up a video, I wanted to pay tribute to her 1933 recording of this song that she made famous.
And now … the incomparable Lena Horne from 1943. The featured dancer at the end is Katherine Dunham.
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