The song of the day for Friday, June 10, 2015 is “My Foolish Heart.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “My Foolish Heart,” was written in 1949 by Victor Young and Ned Washington for the film of the same name. The film was based on a J.D. Salinger short story; the film received very poor reviews and was such a bad experience for Salinger that he refused to talk to Hollywood ever again about rights to any of his work.

About This Version

Today’s version is from the 1975 album The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album, the first of their two albums.

I’ve heard many awful renditions of this song over the years. But in the hands of these two masters, it is as significant and meaningful as any art song every written.

About Today

I’m really happy to be back. I’m not 100% yet, but am getting there. Thanks to everyone for your support and well-wishes. As Duke Ellington would say, “I love you madly.”

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 4, 2015 is “My Foolish Heart.”

About This Song

Composed by Victor Young, with lyrics by Ned Washington, “My Foolish Heart” was written for a widely-panned film of the same name, based on a J.D. Salinger short story. Time magazine excoriated the score: “nothing offsets the blight of such tear-splashed excesses as the bloop-bleep-bloop of a sentimental ballad on the soundtrack.” The experience of the film caused Mr. Salinger to never speak to anyone from Hollywood ever again. But in spite of all that, the song is lovely and is one of the most beloved songs performed by jazz and cabaret artists.

About This Version

Today’s version of “My Foolish Heart” is from the first of Tony Bennett’s and Bill Evans’ albums: The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, recorded and released in 1975 under the Fantasy label. The album is revered by many jazz fans of both artists (including your author) and is widely considered to be one of the finest jazz vocal albums ever made. This is due in no small part to the fact that Bill Evans is not just an accompanist; these are two musicians, each masters of their respective instruments, making extraordinary music.