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 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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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Thursday, July 29, 2021, 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” in 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calendrelli did the arrangement.

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

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

We’re happy to present Billie Holiday’s 1945 recorded of today’s song.

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Billie Holiday · Song · 2017.

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 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 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 1996 for his album of songs associated with Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Caledrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Here’s Lady Day’s version:

That Ole Devil Called Love

Listen to That Ole Devil Called Love on Spotify. Billie Holiday · Song · 2017.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live on the Hill

The song of the day for Thursday, November 26, 2020, is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About Today

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American readers.

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love, conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live on the Hill” in 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released the following year. Jorge Calendrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Folks That Live On The Hill

Listen to The Folks That Live On The Hill on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1990.

“The Folks That Live on the Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Friday, November 20, 2020, 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 1996 for his 1997 album 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 from Apple Music.

And while you’re here, this is Billie Holiday with the Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra:

Trav"lin" Light

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

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