The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Thursday, April 7,2022, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

We close out our tribute to Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915. I think she really invented jazz singing.

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy. When Paul Whiteman and his band arrived at Capitol Records’ studio for a recording session, Trummy Young brought along his girlfriend, Billie Holiday. Songwriter Johnny Mercer, one of the co-founders of the new label, discovered that Young had a newly written tune with him. Mercer quickly wrote lyrics for it and gave it a title so Holiday could record it with the band. The record label identified the singer as ‘Lady Day,’ Holiday’s nickname because she was under contract with another label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday. The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie’s version with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra. I love this recording so much.

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Song of the Day: I Wished On The Moon

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 6, 2022, is “I Wished On The Moon.”

About This Song

“I Wished On The Moon” was written in 1935 by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker (yes, that Dorothy Parker). It was first recorded in 1935 by Ruth Etting. Bing Crosby sang it in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Art Pepper, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wished On The Moon” in 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. The picture of Holiday was painted by Bennett.

“I Wished On The Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording of “I Wished On The Moon.”

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Song of the Day: Willow Weep For Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, is “Willow Weep For Me.”

About This Song

“Willow Weep For Me” was written in 1932 by a Radcliffe student named Ann Ronell. She encountered some initial trouble in getting the song published, but once Irving Berlin decided to publish the song, it began to take off. The first recording was made by Ted Fio Rito, with vocals by Muzzy Marcellino. The song became a jazz standard and has been recorded by many fine jazz artists, including Art Tatum, Dinah Washington, Stan Kenton, Thelonius Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Willow Weep For Me” in 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Willow Weep For Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s original recording:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Monday, April 4, 2022, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Week

The great Billie Holiday was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, PA. We’ll be celebrating her music all week.

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher, with lyrics by Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in 1996 for his album dedicated to the singer Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Holiday’s 1945 recording.

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written in 1945 by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts. Composer Doris Fisher, daughter of songwriter Fred Fisher, was so popular in the 1940s that she was called “Queen of the Jukebox.” She often wrote with Allan Roberts. She was also a talented singer and performer. Other of her songs include “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“That Ole Devil Called Love,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1945 recording of today’s song.

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