The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Don’t Cry Baby

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 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. Jimmy 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. This recording features Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.

“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Cry Baby

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 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. Jimmy Johnson was a composer and pianist who, along with Jelly Roll Morton, became prominent in the era between ragtime and the stride piano techniques in early jazz. Saul Bernie and Stella Unger were both active composers 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” on October 1, 1950; it was released as a single that year. It was arranged by Norman Leyden.

“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Cry Baby

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 28, 2023, is “Don’t Cry Baby.”

About This Song

“Don’t Cry Baby” was written by James P. Johnson, Saul Bernie, and Stella Unger in 1929. Jimmy 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” on July 20, 1950, with an arrangement by Marty Manning. It was released as a single in December 1950.

“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Cry Baby

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.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Cry Baby

The song of the day for Friday, May 20, 2022, 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. Jimmy 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” on October 1, 1950, featuring an arrangement by Norman Leyden.

Your friendly author was 12 days old on the date of this recording, seen here with my mother:

 

“Don’t Cry Baby,” as well as the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.