The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: If I Could Be With You

The song of the day for Friday, December 3. 2021, is “If I Could Be With You.”

About This Song

“If I Could Be With You” was written in 1926 by James P. Johnson, with lyrics by Henry Creamer. Pianist Johnson, who wrote this song, made a piano roll of it in 1927, the same year it was used in the revue Brownskin Models. In 1930, there were several successful recordings, including those by Louis Armstrong and Ruth Etting. Other recordings include this by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Kay Starr, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “If I Could Be With You” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“If I Could Be With You,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 30, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy in 1942; Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics. This song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here is the Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman Orchestra recording from 1942:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 24, 2021, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Composer 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. Her other 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 Tony Bennett On Holiday, arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. Bobby Tucker, formerly a pianist for Billie Holiday, served as musical consultant for the album.

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

Billie Holiday recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1945 for Decca Records. Here’s that recording:

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Saturday, November 20, 2021, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell for contractual reasons). The song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman.”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to the great Billie Holiday, who first recorded the song in 1937. The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Tony Bennett painted the portrait of Billie Holiday used on the cover.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s 1937 recording of “These Foolish Things” with Teddy Wilson:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, August 14, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1997 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

Trav"lin" Light

Listen to Trav"lin" Light on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s is the 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” from Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman.

Trav"lin" Light

Listen to Trav"lin" Light on Spotify. Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra · Song · 2008.

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