The song of the day for Wednesday, April 20, 2022, is “Days of Wine and Roses.”
About This Song
“Days of Wine and Roses” was written by Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for the 1962 film of the same name, starring Lee Remick and Jack Lemmon. This movie is arguably the most powerful film ever made about alcoholism and the struggles of Remick and Lemmon to stop drinking are both uplifting and sorrowful. There are scenes in this film that I know I will never forget; it is a true masterpiece. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
About This Version
Tony Bennett first recorded this song in 1965 for The Movie Song Album. Today, however, I’m going with the 1975 recording with Bill Evans for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.
I don’t know about Mancini, but Johnny Mercer was an alcoholic and both Bennett and Evans had substance abuse issues in 1975. I’ve always found it interesting that out of so much pain came such a beautiful song and recording.
“Days of Wine and Roses,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.