The song of the day for Wednesday, November 20, 2013 is “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie.”

About This Song

“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” was written in 1936 by Billy Mayhew. Fats Waller made the first recording of this song and it has remained identified with him (it was featured in the 1978 musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’). It was also recorded by Slim Whitman. (I promise that I have not, on purpose, chosen two jazz songs in a row that were also recorded by Slim Whitman.) More traditional recordings include those by Billie Holiday, Patti Page and The Ink Spots.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low. Bennett recorded this album with just the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums. I like this album very much, perhaps because it brings to mind Bennett’s live performances with his current quartet. His voice with these small jazz combos is really quite wonderful. There are many fine songs on this album in addition to to today’s song: “Speak Low,” “I’ve Got Just About Everything” and my personal favorite song of Tony’s — “The Rules of the Road.”

http://open.spotify.com/track/3cFPZOvrPdyjmZSoXh09Db
“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie,” as well as the album When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes and Amazon.