The song of the day for Monday, June 12, 2023, is “Don’t Cry Baby.”
About This Song
“Don’t Cry Baby” was written in 1929 by James P. Johnson, Saul Bernie, and Stella Unger. Johnson was a composer and pianist who, along with Jelly Roll Morton, came into prominence in the era between ragtime and the stride piano techniques in early jazz. Saul Bernie and Stella Unger were both composers who were active in the 1920s. It was first sung by Bessie Smith in 1929. Erskine Hawkins recorded it in 1943; this version reached #1 on the Harlem Hit Parade in 1943 and #15 on the popular charts. Etta James recorded it in 1961 as well.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Cry Baby” in May 2001 for his album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. Featured artists on this recording are Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.
“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as Playin’ Withy My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.
