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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

February 8, 2025 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Sophisticated Lady

The song of the day for Saturday, February 8, 2025, is “Sophisticated Lady.”

About This Song

“Sophisticated Lady” was composed by Duke Ellington in 1932 as an instrumental; the lyrics by Mitchell Parish were added later. Ellington is said to have been inspired to write this song by three of his grade school teachers, who toured Europe in the summers after teaching all year. “To me that spelled sophistication.” “Sophisticated Lady” was first recorded in 1933 on the flip side with Harold Arlen’s “Stormy Weather.” It is, of course, one of Ellington’s most popular and often-played songs. In addition to numerous recordings by Ellington over the years, the song has been recorded by Art Tatum, Anita O’Day, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hodges, Sarah Vaughan, and Glenn Miller.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sophisticated Lady” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, featuring an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli. The album was released in Ellington’s centenary year. He was born in Washington, DC on April 29, 1899.

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

Here’s Ellington’s 1933 instrumental recording of “Sophisticated Lady,” which featured Toby Hardwick on alto sax, Barney Bigard on clarinet, Lawrence Brown on trombone, and Ellington on piano.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, Duke Ellington, Jorge Calandrelli, Mitchell Parrish, Tony Bennett

January 30, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Evenin’

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is “Evenin’.”

About This Song

“Evenin'” was written in 1934 by Harry White and Mitchell Parrish. White was a musician with several of the great jazz bands: Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Mitchell Parrish was the lyricist for numerous Duke Ellington songs, though much of his work was attributed to Irving Mills, for whom he worked. “Evenin’” was published by Mills.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ray Charles recorded “Evenin'” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. Featured on this record are Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.

“Evenin’,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Harry White, Mitchell Parrish, Playin' With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett

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