The Song of the Day for August 31, 2012 is Blue Moon. Because on August 31, 2012, we will have an actual blue moon, which is the second full moon in a single calendar month. For more about blue moon, see this link at the NASA science site. Apparently, sometimes they are actually blue.

About Blue Moon

Blue Moon was written 1934 by Richard Rodgers (music) and Lorenz Hart (lyrics). It was written while the Rodgers and Hart were under contract to MGM. The tune was written with other lyrics, but never made into a film. It was finally released as a single in 1934, with the lyrics we now know. It was recorded by Mel Torme and Elvis Presley.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded the song for Long Ago and Far Away (1958) and an unreleased live version with Count Basie in the same year. For those of you who have the new Tony Bennett Complete Collection, this cut is included on Rarities, Outtakes and Other Delights, Volume 1. Our version today is from Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers and Hart Songs(1973, Improv label). The contents of Rodgers and Hart albums are currently available on Tony Bennett Sings the Rodgers and Hart Songbook, with the addition of some alternate takes.