The song of the day for Thursday, January 2, 2014 is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1937 for the movie High, Wide and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby had a successful recording of the song, also from 1937. In later years, it became a hit for Peggy Lee, who included in on her 1957 album The Man I Love (which was conducted by Frank Sinatra).

About This Version

Today, we’re staying with Astoria: The Portrait of the Artist for the song of the day. Maybe it’s because we’ve been watching all three segments of That’s Entertainment (DVRed from Turner Classic Movies who presented them all, in order, on New Year’s Eve), but this sweet song about love and family really hits the spot for us. It’s a classic Hammerstein lyric: a little folksy on the surface but deep and rich when one takes the time to listen. Tony Bennett brings a lovely longing and intensity to this song. Like all of the songs on this album, “The Folks That Live on the Hill” was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

http://open.spotify.com/track/38kABxg7jKSRBo1Yd5V7k5
“The Folks That Live on the Hill,” as well as Astoria: The Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.