The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, January 16, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. ”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for the 1977 album Tony Bennett On Holiday. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “These Foolish Things” by Billie Holiday, with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra:

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Song of the Day: That Ole Devil Called Love

The song of the day for Sunday, January 15, 2023, is “That Ole Devil Called Love.”

About This Song

“That Ole Devil Called Love” was written by Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts in 1945. 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 June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“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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Song of the Day: What A Little Moonlight Can Do

The song of the day for Saturday, January 14, 2023, is “What A Little Moonlight Can Do.”

About This Song

“What A Little Moonlight Can Do” was written in 1934 by Harry Woods while was living and working temporarily in London for a British film studio as a composer. One of the songs he wrote was “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” for a movie called Road House. Billie Holiday, with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra, recorded the song in 1935.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” in June 1996 and released it in 1997 on the album Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1935 recording by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra. And yes, that’s Benny Goodman on clarinet.

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Song of the Day: Me, Myself and I

The song of the day for Friday, January 13, 2023, is “Me, Myself and I.”

About This Song

“Me, Myself and I” was written in 1937 by Irving Gordon, Allen Roberts, and Alvin S. Kaufman.It was first recorded in 1937 by several artists, including Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Bob Howard and His Orchestra, and Dick Jurgens and His Orchestra with vocalist Eddy Howard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Me, Myself and I” in June 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“Me, Myself and I,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s 1937 recording of “Me, Myself and I.”

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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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