The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: All Of Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, is “All Of Me.”

About This Song

“All Of Me” was written in 1931 by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons. Early recordings included those by Louis Armstrong, Mildred Bailey, and Ruth Etting. In his masterful book The Jazz Standards, Al Gioia writes ‘The definitive version of “All Of Me” wouldn’t appear for another decade, but when Billie Holiday recorded the song, with tenor saxophonist Lester Young on hand, she staked a claim of ownership that no one has managed to dislodge in subsequent years.’

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All Of Me” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett on Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“All Of Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1941 recording of “All Of Me” by Billie Holiday and Lester Young:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Monday, April 4, 2022, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Week

The great Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, PA. We’ll be celebrating her music all week.

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher, with lyrics by Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his album dedicated to the singer Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Holiday’s 1945 recording.