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 Monday, August 19, 2024, 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 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 June 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released. in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangment.

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

Here’s Billy Holiday’s 1945 recording of today’s song:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, August 3, 2024, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

Today would have been Tony Bennett’s 98th birthday. Although I am so sad that he’s left us, I am also grateful and happy that he left his art and music for us to listen to and enjoy.

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 June 1996 for his album tribute to Billy 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.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2022, is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy She Calls Me” (originally “Crazy He Calls Me”) was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell. In addition to Billie Holiday’s recording of this song, it has also been recorded by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy She Calls Me” for his 1997 tribute to Billy Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billy Holiday’s recording from her album Lover Man.

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 19, 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 often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. She also wrote “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. The album won the 1988 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Tony Bennett painted the image of Billie Holiday used on the cover.

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

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Friday, June 13, 2014 is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston (music) and Sam Coslow (lyrics) in 1934 for the movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. Miss West was an ardent fan of Duke Ellington and insisted that Ellington and His Orchestra appear in the film and accompany her for the singing of this song.

The song has been widely recorded by artists including Cootie Williams, Ben Webster, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday, among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” for his 1997 tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. There are many fine recordings on this album in addition to today’s song including “Trav’lin’ Light,” “Good Morning, Heartache” and “Me, Myself and I.” The album features Ralph Sharon on piano, with strings arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

http://open.spotify.com/track/2jBarJ6zzh3TyZn1hZqpMT
“My Old Flame,” as well as the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.