The song of the day for Saturday, June 6, 2015 is “The Lady Is A Tramp.”
About This Song
“The Lady Is A Tramp” was written in 1937 for the Broadway musical Babes In Arms by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. More recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga sang a duet of this song on their 2011 album “Duets II.”
About This Version
No, it’s not that version (though if that’s what you’re wanting, check the end of the post). Today’s version of “The Lady Is A Tramp” was recorded in 1973 with the Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet and was Bennett’s first recording of the song; he also recorded it in 1988 as a duet with Frank Sinatra and again in 1992 for Perfectly Frank. And, of course, in 2011 with Lady Gaga.
I do love this early version–in fact, I love all of these Rodgers and Hart songs from 1973. The quartet led by Ruby Braff and George Barnes evoke the 1930s for me and the songs seem so fresh to me when sung from that perspective. Oh, and he sings the verse!
“The Lady Is A Tramp,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.
About Today
Once again, it’s Saturday and that means video. And since our song is “The Lady Is a Tramp,” what video could more perfect than the duet with Lady Gaga? This version may be new to you; it’s from Lady Gaga’s 2011 Thanksgiving television show. Enjoy!
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