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 Wednesday, February 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. 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” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to the singer Billie Holiday.

That Ole Devil Called Love

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997

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

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1945 recording:

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Song · Billie Holiday · 2017

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 2, 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” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday.

Trav"lin" Light

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997

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

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Song of the Day: Good Morning Heartache

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 6, 2021, is “Good Morning Heartache.”

About This Song

“Good Morning, Heartache” was written in 1946 by Irene Higginbotham, Ervin Drake, and Dan Fisher. The song is strongly associated with Billie Holiday, who recorded the song in 1946. The popularity of the song was revived when Diana Ross recorded it for the Billie Holiday biographical film Lady Sings The Blues, released in 1972.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Good Morning Heartache” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Good Morning, Heartache

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997

“Good Morning Heartache,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1946 recording.

Good Morning Heartache

Billie Holiday · The Decca Singles Vol. 1: 1945-1949 · Song · 2017

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 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 Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” 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 of songs associated with Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Caledrelli wrote the arrangement.

That Ole Devil Called Love

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997

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

Here’s Lady Day’s version:

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Song · Billie Holiday · 2017

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Friday, November 20, 2020, 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 1996 for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

Trav"lin" Light

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997

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

And while you’re here, this is Billie Holiday with the Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra:

Trav"lin" Light

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

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