The song of the day for Wednesday, July 22, 2026 is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Munday, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This 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.

On June 12, 1942, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra came to Capitol Records to record some songs for an album. Johnny Mercer, who had recently co-founded the studio, learned that Trummy Young, who had brought his girlfriend Billie Holiday with his to the studio, and Jimmy Munday had written a new song. Mercer quickly wrote the lyrics to the song and got Whiteman to record it with Billie Holiday. She was credited as Lady Day on the recording as she was under contract with another studio.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett on Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” with Paul Whiteman.