The song of the day for Friday, January 8, 2015 is “Long Ago and Far Away.”

About This Song

Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin wrote “Long Ago and Far Away” for the 1944 film Cover Girl, which starred Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelley. Miss Hayworth, voiced by Martha Mears, introduced the song in the film. Early recordings include those by Dick Haymes and Helen Forrest, Bing Crosby, Jo Stafford and Perry Como. Both the Stafford and Como recordings were hits on the Billboard charts.

“Long Ago and Far Away” is included in the American Film Institute Top 100 Songs listing.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Charlap recorded “Long Ago and Far Away” for their wonderful 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. It’s an exquisite recording.

“Long Ago and Far Away,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available from iTunes.