The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Friday, December 26, 2025, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. 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.”

Billie Holiday was the first to record today’s song. She recorded it in 1944 as the B-side to “Lover Man.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute to Billie Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

Billie Holiday, with The Toots Camarata Orchestra, recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” on November 8, 1944, for Decca Records.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Friday, November 14, 2025, 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. The 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, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

About the Billie Holiday Version

In 1942, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra came to Capitol Records to record an instrumental version of “Trav’lin’ Light.” Trummy Young, who composed the song and played trombone in the orchestra, had brought his girlfriend, Billie Holiday, to the session. Johnny Mercer, one of the founders of Capitol Records quickly wrote lyrics for the tune for Billie Holiday to sing on the recording. She was credited as Lady Day, as she was under contract to another studio. The recording is magnificent.

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Song of the Day: She’s Funny That Way

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 43, 2025, is “She’s Funny That Way.”

About This Song

“She’s Funny That Way” was written in 1928 by Neil Moret and Richard Whiting. The song first appeared in the short film Gems of MGM, released in 1931. Billie Holiday recorded the song in 1937.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “She’s Funny That Way” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. which was released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“She’s Funny That Way,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1937 recording (sung as “He’s Funny That Way”):

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Song of the Day: If You Were Mine

The song of the day for Monday, September 8, 2025, is “If You Were Mine.”

About This Song

“If You Were Mine” was written by Matty Malneck and Johnny Mercer for the 1935 musical film To Beat The Band. Billie Holiday recorded this song in 1936 with Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “If You Were Mine” on October 19, 1962, for I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“If You Were Mine,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “If You Were Mine” by Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra:

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Song of the Day: Lover Man

The song of the day for Monday, September 1, 2025, is “Lover Man.”

About This Song

“Lover Man” was written in 1941 by Jimmy Davis, Roger “Ram” Ramirez, and James Sherman. The song was written for Billie Holiday, and remains most closely associated with her, despite many other fine recordings. Her recording of “Lover Man” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989. Other significant recordings include those by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Evans and Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lover Man” on April 4, 1961, for My Heart Sings, which was released 64 years ago on September 1, 1961. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Lover Man,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1944 recording of “Lover Man.”