The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Monday, May 20, 2024, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, John LaTouche, and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” on December 30, 1958, for his second album with Count Basie and His Band, In Person!, released in 1959. The songs for the album were taped at nightclub and it was set to be a live album, but Columbia decided to rerecord the album in the studio. Why they didn’t change the name of the album is anyone’s guess.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got a special video treat today: Ethel Waters and Eddie Anderson singing “Taking a Chance on Love” from the 1943 film version of Cabin in the Sky. Bill Bailey is featured as the dancer in the number.

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Song of the Day: Taking A Chance On Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 23, 2013 is Taking A Chance On Love.

About This Song

Today we feature another song from Cabin In The Sky, Taking A Chance On Love. This song was written for the original 1940 Broadway production by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter.  Taking A Chance on Love has been a favorite of jazz and popular performers since it was written, including recordings by Dizzy Gillespie, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, Jane Monheit and even Rod Stewart.

About This Version

I can’t get Cabin In The Sky out my mind and have found myself humming this song a lot since I watched the movie on Saturday. I felt like a Count Basie song for today and so here’s Taking A Chance on Love from In Person! Bennett and Basie really swing this version.

http://open.spotify.com/track/7eZGFUxQlMDkDPzJAuGYQm
Taking A Chance On Love, as well the full In Person! album, is available from iTunes.

And again the amazing Ethel Waters, singing our song of the day, with dancing by the amazing Bill Bailey. And you thought Michael Jackson invented the Moonwalk.