The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Monday, January 23, 2023, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1943, with Al Hibbler on vocals, and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calendrelli.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1943 recording by Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler on vocals.

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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: 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:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Sunday, January 15, 2023, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts in 1945. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1945 recording of today’s song.

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Song of the Day: Daybreak

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 11, 2023, is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

“Daybreak” was written by Ferde Grofé, with lyrics by Harold Adamson. The song was part of a classical suite of songs by Ferde Grofé called Mississippi Suite, composed in 1925. Lyricist Harold Adamson took the theme from the final movement and wrote lyrics for it, resulting in the song “Daybreak.” Dinah Washington recorded “Daybreak” for her album I Concentrate On You, released in 1960.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Daybreak” in July 1995 and released that year on Here’s To The Ladies. The song is in tribute to Dinah Washington. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Daybreak,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Dinah Washington’s 1960 recording of “Daybreak” from I Concentrate on You.

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