The song of the day for Monday, April 13, 2015 is “Willow Weep For Me.”

About This Song

“Willow Weep For Me” was written in 1932 by a Radcliffe student named Ann Ronell. She encountered some initial trouble in getting the song published, but once Irving Berlin decided to publish the song, it began to take off. The first recording was made by Ted Fio Rito, with vocals by Muzzy Marcellino. The song became a jazz standard and has been recorded by many fine jazz artists, including Art Tatum, Dinah Washington, Stan Kenton, Thelonius Monk, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Today’s song, “Willow Weep For Me,” is the seventh song on Tony Bennett On Holiday. This arrangement, while featuring piano heavily, also includes a really beautiful string accompaniment, arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. Tony Bennett sings it so quietly and lightly … this version a thing of real and honest beauty.

“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Lady Day recorded this song several times, including her live performance at Newport Jazz in 1957. There are several recorded live performances dating back to 1953 as well. The first studio recording was made in 1954 and released on the Clef label and was also used on her last album Lady Sings The Blues, released in 1957. This is the version I’m presenting today.

“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as Lady Sings The Blues, is available from iTunes.