The song of the day for Saturday, April 11, 2015 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Cheek To Cheek” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Today’s version is the title song of 2014 album from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: Cheek To Cheek, arranged by Marion Evans. I love the opening, with just Lady Gaga and the piano … and how nicely it picks up when Tony comes in. The arrangement features the quartet quite nicely, with very nice guitar work from Grey Sargent.

About Today

Tonight, Tony and Lady Gaga are in their second night at Axis Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. What a great way to kick off this wonderful tour.

“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

And, once again, it’s Saturday. Our video is our duo singing today’s song on this year’s Grammy Awards.