The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 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. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2022, is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy She Calls Me” (originally “Crazy He Calls Me”) was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell. In addition to Billie Holiday’s recording of this song, it has also been recorded by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy She Calls Me” for his 1997 tribute to Billy Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billy Holiday’s recording from her album Lover Man.

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Saturday, March 5, 2022, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell in 1940. 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 1944 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 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Here’s Ellington’s 1944 recording of today’s song:

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, March 3, 2022, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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