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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

February 22, 2016 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Ill Wind

The song of the day for Monday, February 22, 2016 is “Ill Wind (You’re Blowing Me No Good).”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Ill Wind,” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1934 for Arlen’s and Koehler’s last show at the Cotton Club, where it was sung by Adelaide Hall. This song has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton, Audra McDonald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ill Wind” in 1996 for his 1997 tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

Ill Wind (You"re Blowin" Me No Good)

Listen to Ill Wind (You"re Blowin" Me No Good) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.


“Ill Wind (You’re Blowing Me No Good),” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler, The Cotton Club, Tony Bennett On Holiday

February 6, 2016 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Stormy Weather

The song of the day for Saturday, February 6, 2016 is “Stormy Weather.”

About This Song

“Stormy Weather” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the Cotton Club, where is was introduced by Ethel Waters. Lena Horne, who sang with Tony Bennett in the 1970s, recorded this song in 1943 and remains strongly associated with it. It has also been recorded by Kay Starr, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Today’s version of “Stormy Weather” the duet sung by Tony Bennett and Natalie Cole on Bennett’s 2001 album Playin’ With My Friends. The vocal arrangement is by Rob Mathes.

Stormy Weather

Listen to Stormy Weather on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2001.


“Stormy Weather,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today would have been the 66th birthday of Natalie Cole. I am still somewhat in shock over her death last year and miss her voice–she was a wonderful singer. Happy birthday, Natalie.

It’s also video Saturday. Alas, no videos exist of Ethel Waters singing “Stormy Weather,” but there are recordings and before I offer up a video, I wanted to pay tribute to her 1933 recording of this song that she made famous.

Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin" All The Time) - 78rpm Version

Listen to Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin" All The Time) - 78rpm Version on Spotify. Ethel Waters · Song · 1925.

And now … the incomparable Lena Horne from 1943. The featured dancer at the end is Katherine Dunham.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Ethel Waters, Harold Arlen, Lena Horne, Playing' With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues, Ted Koehler, The Cotton Club

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