The song of the day for Monday, April 7, 2014 is “Willow Weep For Me.”

About This Song

“Willow Weep For Me” was written by Ann Ronell in 1932. Ronell, a Radcliffe student, 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, who first recorded the song in 1956 for the album Lady Sings The Blues.

About This Version

Tony Bennett included this “Willow Weep For Me” on his 1997 tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. The album was produced by Tony Bennett and Danny Bennett. Jorge Calandrelli arranged the song.

We select this song today in tribute to Billie Holiday, who was born on this day in 1915. Happy birthday, Billie. See Remembering Billie Holiday on this site for more information.

http://open.spotify.com/track/65fCPl7cBpk5J8pcvjMTaa
“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.