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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

April 14, 2015 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Laughing At Life

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 14, 2015 is “Laughing At Life.”

About This Song

“Laughing At Life” was written in 1930, with music by Cornell Todd and Bob Todd and lyrics by Nick Kenny and Charles Kenny. Interestingly, this song was written by two pairs of brothers. This song has been recorded by several of the great jazz groups and singers, including Ruth Eating, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae and The Armpit Jug Band (I know nothing about this band, but couldn’t pass up on their name).

About This Version

Today’s song is the eighth song on our album of the month Tony Bennett On Holiday. It’s a fun song and the piano-only accompaniment is just perfect.

Laughing At Life

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


“Laughing At Life,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Billie Holiday recorded “Laughing at Life” on June 7, 1940 in New York. Two takes were recorded that day; we are listening to the first take (MX W26902-A), released on OKeh 5719. Her orchestra included Roy Eldridge (trumpet), Bill Bowen and Joe Eldridge (alto sax), Kermit Scott and Lester Young (tenor sax), Teddy Wilson (piano), Freddie Green (guitar), Walter Page (bass) and J.C. Heard (drums).

Laughing at Life - Take 1

Listen to Laughing at Life - Take 1 on Spotify. Song · Billie Holiday · 1937

“Laughing At Life,” as well as A Musical Romance, is available from iTunes. This album consists of recordings that Billie Holiday with Lester Young and it’s a real joy to listen to.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bob Todd, Charles Kenny, Cornell Todd, Nick Kenny, Tony Bennett On Holiday

June 20, 2014 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Laughing at Life

The song of the day for Friday, June 20, 2014 is “Laughing at Life.”

About This Song

“Laughing At Life” was composed in 1930 by Bob Todd and Cornell Todd, with lyrics by Charles F. Kenny and Nick A. Kenny. Billie Holiday recorded it several times with different musicians including Lester Young and Count Basie. The song has also been recorded by Frankie Laine, Roy Eldridge, Carmen McRae and Milt Hinton.

About This Version

Your intrepid blogger has been in a Billie Holiday mood for several days now and so it’s no surprise that today’s song is from Tony Bennett’s tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. Bennett picked a wonderful selection of songs for this album, described in his autobiography The Good Life:

People often focus on the negative aspects of Billie’s short and tragic life, on her sad songs. But I wanted to concentrate on the optimistic side of her legacy. … I wanted to put the emphasis on her upbeat songs like “All Of Me,” “Laughing At Life” and “What A Little Moonlight Can Do.” … She was truly the Goddess of Style, and she changed music forever.

It’s a charming arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

http://open.spotify.com/track/2X2mtLVpajxCJog0ixGJp9
“Laughing at Life,” as well as the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billie Holiday, Bob Todd, Charles Kenny, Cornell Todd, Nick Kenny, Tony Bennett On Holiday

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