The song of the day for Thursday, September 26, 2013 is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

Today’s song was first recorded, without lyrics, in 1963 on an album called Reflections by Stan Getz and Lalo Schifrin. Tony Bennett liked the song from the beginning and suggested that Gene Lees write the lyrics. The resulting song is an anthem for “forbidden” love. At that time, most people associated the song with interracial relationships; in later years, it has been sung by gay singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, this song has been recorded by Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae and k.d. lang.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Right to Love” for his wonderful 1965 album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. And, as the joke goes: What do you mean, IF?

The entire album is worth a listen, if not only for today’s recording. It also contains his first recordings of “Watch What Happens” and “Fly Me To the Moon,” as well as some very nice bossa nova songs.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3g5Sm60hsiJQOes3RHlQqb
“The Right To Love,” as well as the album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available from iTunes and Amazon.com.