The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Mood Indigo

The song of the day for Friday, April 18, 2023, is “Mood Indigo.”

About This Song

Originally titled “Dreamy Blues,” Ellington wrote this song in 1930, which is based on a theme by Barney Bigard, who is said to have learned it from his New Orleans clarinet teacher, Lorenzo Tio. Ellington wrote the song specifically for “microphone transmission” and it was first played on a 1930 radio broadcast. Audiences loved the song, and so Irving Mills wrote the lyric, changing the name of the song to “Mood Indigo.” The song has been widely recorded by instrumental and vocal artists, including Tony Bennett, Charles Mingus, Ella Fitzgerald, Thelonious Monk, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Mood Indigo” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Mood Indigo,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: In A Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, is “In A Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

One of Duke Ellington’s most beautiful melodies, “In a Sentimental Mood” was composed in 1935, with the lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“In A Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1935 recording of “In A Sentimental Mood”

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Song of the Day: Don’t Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Monday, April 17, 2023, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, April 7, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett honors Eleanora Fagan (known as Billie Holiday), born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia PA. Although born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Baltimore. Much has been written about the hard life she had. But today I want to think of her as Tony Bennett did:

People often focus on the negative aspects of Billie’s short and tragic life, on her sad songs. But I want to concentrate on the optimistic side of her legacy. She was truly the Goddess of Style, and she changed music forever.

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 June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, which was released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday 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 Lady Day’s original recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” with Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Thursday, April 6, 2023, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. 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. She also wrote “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, which was released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

We’ve also got Billie Holiday’s first recording of today’s song: