The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942, with music by Trummy Young and Jimmy and Mundy, and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for the 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that wonderful 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” by Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Thursday, April 7,2022, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

We close out our tribute to Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915. I think she really invented jazz singing.

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy. When Paul Whiteman and his band arrived at Capitol Records’ studio for a recording session, Trummy Young brought along his girlfriend, Billie Holiday. Songwriter Johnny Mercer, one of the co-founders of the new label, discovered that Young had a newly written tune with him. Mercer quickly wrote lyrics for it and gave it a title so Holiday could record it with the band. The record label identified the singer as ‘Lady Day,’ Holiday’s nickname because she was under contract with another label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday. The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie’s version with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra. I love this recording so much.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 9, 2022, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” for his 1997 tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the original 1942 recording by Billie Holiday, with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra. I’ve never been a fan of Whiteman, but this recording is the wonderful exception.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 30, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy in 1942; Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics. This song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, a tribute to Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here is the Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman Orchestra recording from 1942:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, August 14, 2021, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1997 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement.

Trav"lin" Light

Listen to Trav"lin" Light on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s is the 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” from Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman.

Trav"lin" Light

Listen to Trav"lin" Light on Spotify. Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra · Song · 2008.

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