The song of the day for Monday, February 16, 2015 is “I’ll Be Around.”

About This Song

Written in 1942, “I’ll Be Around” is one of Alec Wilder’s loveliest and most touching ballads. Like most of Wilder’s work, it’s a very fine composition and works beautifully with his lyric. Early recordings were made by Cab Calloway and also by the Mills Brothers. After Tony Bennett’s 1963 recording, the song had a revival in interest. This song has also been recorded by Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Braff and Marian McPartland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded his friend’s song in 1963 for his album The Many Moods of Tony, released in 1964. The recording was arranged and conducted by Dick Hyman and features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

About Today

The composer of today’s song, Alec Wilder, was born on February 16, 1907 in Rochester, New York. Wilder is notable for many contributions to American music in the 20th century, including popular and classical music. He loved popular music and was a friend to Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mabel Mercer and Peggy Lee, among others. His book American Popular Song is arguably the most important book written about the American songbook. He also wrote music for opera, musicals and films as well as a large body of well-respected classical music.

And so today we honor the anniversary of the birth of Alexander Lafayette Chew Wilder.

“I’ll Be Around,” as well The Many Moods Of Tony, is available from iTunes.