The song of the day for Saturday, October 12, 2019, is “By Myself.”

About This Song

“By Myself” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1937 musical Between the Devil, where it was introduced by Jack Buchanan. Another great Schwartz-Dietz song from Between the Devil was “I See Your Face Before Me.” “By Myself” was used in the 1953 Fred Astaire film, The Band Wagon.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “By Myself” in 1958 fo the album Hometown, My Town, released in 1959. Ralph Burns arranged and conducted all of the songs on this short, but quite exceptionally fine album.

“By Myself,” as well as Hometown, My Town, is available from iTunes.

It’s been two weeks since I saw the film Judy and I’m still in a Judy Garland mode. Thanks to The Judy Garland Experience and YouTube, I am happy to present this video of Judy Garland singing “By Myself” on her own television show in 1964. I’m still kind of amazed at how much sound she was able to deliver, being only 4 feet, 11 inches tall. Her exit at the end of the song is, quite literally, the most powerful things I’ve ever seen in on a stage.

If you’re still in the mood for some more Judy, here’s “The Man That Got Away.” You’re welcome.