The song of the day for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, is “Shaking the Blues Away.”

About This Song

“Shaking the Blues Away” was written by Irving Berlin for The Zeigfeld Follies of 1927. It was introduced by Ruth Etting, who was making her first appearance in the Follies. Berlin pulled it out of the trunk for the 1948 film Easter Parade, where it was a dance number for Ann Miller.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Shaking the Blues Away” in May 1987 for Bennett/Berlin, a tribute to Irving Berlin. He was accompanied by The Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums).

“Shaking the Blues Away,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ruth Etting’s 1927 recording of “Shaking the Blues Away.” I must admit that the original lyrics upset me quite a bit. I’m very glad that Tony Bennett chose to make some changes to the racist lyrics.