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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

April 7, 2025 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, April 7, 2025, is “These Foolish Things.”

About Today

We are honoring the great Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song, and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including ones by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “These Foolish Things” by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson:

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billie Holiday, Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell), Jack Strachey, Teddy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett On Holiday

January 15, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, January 16, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. ”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for the 1977 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “These Foolish Things” by Billie Holiday, with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra:

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billie Holiday, Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell), Jack Strachey, Jorge Calandrelli, Teddy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett On Holiday

July 9, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Friday, July 10, 2020, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey, featuring lyrics by Eric Maschwitz (credited as Holt Marvell) in 1936. The song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman.” These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “These Foolish Things” in 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli conducted and arranged. The image of Billie Holiday on the cover of the album is from a painting of Lady Day by Tony Bennett, who signs his paintings by his family name, Benedetto.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tonhy Bennett On Holiday, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Benedetto, Eric Maschwitz, Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell), Holt Marvell, Jack Strachey, Tony Bennett On Holiday

June 10, 2018 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, June 11, 2018 is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was composed by Jack Strachey, with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman.”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “These Foolish Things” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday; this album features songs sung by Billie Holiday.

These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)

Listen to These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1997


“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billie Holiday, Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell), Jack Strachey, Tony Bennett

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