The song of the day for Friday, February 20, 2015 is “The Right To Love.”
About This Song
“The Right to Love” was written by Lalo Schifrin, with lyrics by Gene Lees. This song has an interesting history. It 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 Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae and k.d. lang.
About This Version
This recording has always been a favorite of mine; it’s clear from listening that this song and its lyrics means a lot to Mr. Bennett. Bravo!
About Today
I couldn’t help but notice many readers searching for today’s song in the past few months. In fact, that was the reason I chose If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set as the album of month, so that I could feature the song, as well as the fine album it appears on.
“The Right To Love,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set, is available from iTunes.