The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Monday, July 10, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the 1934 movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album in tribute to Billie Holiday — Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” in 1934.

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Thursday, June 1, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow in 1934 for the movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. Mae West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to the music of Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording of “My Old Flame” from 1944:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, April 7, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett honors Eleanora Fagan (known as Billie Holiday), born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia PA. Although born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Baltimore. Much has been written about the hard life she had. But today I want to think of her as Tony Bennett did:

People often focus on the negative aspects of Billie’s short and tragic life, on her sad songs. But I want to concentrate on the optimistic side of her legacy. She was truly the Goddess of Style, and she changed music forever.

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, which was released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday 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 Lady Day’s original recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” with Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Thursday, April 6, 2023, 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. She also wrote “You Always Hurt The One You Love.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Ole Devil Called Love” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, which was released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

We’ve also got Billie Holiday’s first recording of today’s song:

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 17, 2023, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942, with music by Trummy Young and Jimmy and Mundy, and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This wonderful song was first recorded by Paul Whiteman with Billie Holiday on vocals. It’s a wonderful, classic Mercer lyric and the tune is lovely. In addition to this recording, this song has been recorded by Anita O’Day, Peggy Lee, Queen Latifah, Shirley Horn, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1996 for the 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

Here’s that wonderful 1942 recording of “Trav’lin’ Light” by Billie Holiday and Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra.

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