Gavin James • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I must admit, I have a huge musical crush on Irishman Gavin James. It is a longstanding problem, begun a few decades ago when I couldn't get enough of Van Morrison, followed by my love for the music of U2. More recently, I'll admit to my preoccupation with the music of Brian Kennedy, and to adding Gavin to the list. So when I saw he had posted a Christmas song, I couldn't wait to watch the video. When I saw it was "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", a song written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 MGM musical 'Meet Me In St. Louis', I knew I was in trouble. The song was introduced by the great Judy Garland, and quickly became a holiday classic. In this video, Gavin gives the song a new twist with his live performance that makes a very happy man. This is Gavin James singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Gavin recently released a live album of which I am particularly fond. 'Live at Whelans' is wonderful, I just can't get enough of it. Seriously! But I will try to get my heart in check, and review it for you soon. To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Sarah Vaughan in Sweden

I have long enjoyed the amazingness that is Sarah Vaughan. The singer, also known as Sassy, was not only popular with record buyers, but also record makers. Singers like Frank Sinatra envied the singer, having been quoted once as saying, "Sassy is so good now that when I listen to her I want to cut my wrists with a dull razor." Her career began in either late 1942 or early 1943, when she won an Amateur Night competition at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Soon she was opening for Ella Fitzgerald, and working with Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine. It was only a matter of time before she was out front and center, a headliner herself. In 1964,, Sassy had a show in Sweden, recorded for television. She sang some incredible songs, a few of which I will bring to you tonight. The first of which is a song written by 1954 by the pianist Erroll Garner, with lyrics later written by Johnny Burke. This is Sarah Vaughan singing the classic song, "Misty".

I thought I would lighten the post a bit with a song written in 1929 by Fats Waller, with lyrics by Andy Razaf. Waller's 1934 recording of "Honeysuckle Rose" has been placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song is a delightful love song, and when it is in Sassy's hands, it is even lighter and sweeter. I hope you enjoy Sarah Vaughan singing "Honeysuckle Rose" as much as I do.

The next video features a popular song from the 1953 musical 'Kismet', written for the show by Robert Wright and George Forrest. The show was said to be inspired by the music of Russain composer Alexander Borodin. "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads" was a big hit in 1954 by the great Peggy Lee, but seems like a perfect choice for Vaughan. The song, with the complex melody line and structure, allows her voice to move effortlessly over the musical terrain, making for a wonderful aural journey. This is Sarah Vaughan singing "Baubles, Bangles and Beads".

"The More I See You" is a popular song written by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Mack Gordon. The song was published in 1945, and has been a standard for many singers ever since. Both men and women lined up to sing it, and that is what they did. While many took it on, few gave it the nuanced touch delivered by Vaughan. I think this is a perfect way to end the post tonight. Pleasure enjoy Sarah singing "The More I See You".

You can find the music of Sarah Vaughan anywhere great music is sold. There are plenty of song collections from which to choose, but in my experience, you cannot go wrong with Sarah. For example, you can find 'Sarah Vaughan's Golden Hits' on both iTunes and Amazon. And have a great weekend!

Celebrating Doris Day

Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff on April 3, 1922, this past Thursday Doris Day turned 92 years old. (Wikipedia says 1922, but IMDB says 1924, so I might be wrong there.) I remember being a child, and watching Day movies with my mother. She was often in comedies with handsome men, like Rock Hudson, Cary Grant, Rod Taylor and James Garner, who also piqued my interest. Sometimes she sang, both slow ballads and uptempo numbers. But no matter what she was doing, I remember loving every minute of it. I think it helped my mother seemed to love her as well, and often said people said she looked like Doris. Several decades later, I remember those times, and still stop channel surfing to watch Day in a film when it is playing on TCM.

Doris Day also had a career as a singer, starting off as a big band singer in 1939, first being hired by Barney Rapp to front his band. Doris also went on to work with bandleaders Jimmy James, Bob Crosby, and Les Brown. I will start with a recording with Day did with bandleader Brown, "Till The End of Time". The song was written by lyricist Buddy Kaye and composer Ted Mossman in 1945, the same year it was recorded by Brown and Day. This is "Till The End of Time" as released by Les Brown and his band of Renown with singer Doris Day.

The next song had music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Caesar, and was written for the 1925 musical 'No, No, Nanette'. The version of "I Want to be Happy" I am most familiar with is more than likely the one by Benny Goodman, but since it has been covered by so many, it is tough to say my favorite. Day had started working with the Page Cavanaugh Trio in the late 1940s, and they made some great music. In 1950, Day recorded it for the album 'Tea for Two'. This is Doris Day singing "I Want To Be Happy" with the Page Cavanaugh Trio.

"Make Someone Happy" was found in a Broadway show with music by the great Jule Styne, and lyrics by the fantastic Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The show was 'Do Re Mi', and it played on Broadway in 1960. Immediately, some of he great talents were lining up to record the song. Day did just that, putting it on her 1960 album 'Bright and Shiny'. It was a great fit for her voice. This is Doris Day singing "Make Someone Happy", recorded with Neal Hefti and His Orchestra.

The last song on this post is a fun one, off the 1964 release 'Latin for Lovers'. "Quizás, quizás, quizás" is a popular song by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés. The song was a hit in 1947 for singer Bobby Capó. English lyrics were written by Joe Davis, which were not a translation, but a new set of lyrics. That version, known as "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps", was first sung by Desi Arnez in 1948, and was quickly recorded by several others. Day was not the first in line, for it took 16 years for her version, but it was worth the wait. This is Doris Day singing "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps".

So Happy Birthday, Doris Day! For more information about Doris Day, visit her official website. In 2012, to mark her 90/88th birthday, the collection 'With a Smile and a Song' was released, containing some great music. You can find it on iTunes and Amazon.

Cake • Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps

The song "Quizás, quizás, quizás" was written in 1947 by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés. It was a hit that same year for singer Bobby Capó. The following year, lyricist Joe Davis wrote English lyrics, only it was not a translation, but a new set of lyrics. That version, known as "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps", was first sung by Desi Arnez in 1948, and was quickly recorded by several others. That would include by a certain famous movie star I take a listen to this evening. But almost 50 years after the song was written, it was recorded by American Rock band Cake for their 1996 album, 'Fashion Nugget'. This is Cake with "Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps".

Have a great weekend!

Dark Monday • Carol Channing as Lorelei Lee

I am not sure why, but I was thinking a lot about Carol Channing recently, so I decided to go with it. Channing made a name for herself being equal parts talent, personality, and camp. Carol is at her best when she is being big and bold, a version of the Al Hirschfeld drawings amplified. She started working as an actress in New York City in the early 1940s, and quickly moved from off-Broadway to Broadway. In 1949, she opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre, the first to play Lorelei Lee in the great musical, 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'. The show had music by the great Jule Styne, lyrics by Leo Robin, with a book by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos, based on the original story by Loos. While most are more familiar with Marilyn Monroe's star turn in the film version of the show a few years later. I happened across a clip of Carol doing a couple of songs from the show on NBC's 'The Buick Berle Show' from 1953. This is Channing performing her take on "I'm Just A Little Girl From Little Rock" and "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend".

Channing became best known for her time as Dolly Levi in the original production of 'Hello Dolly!', although like 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', when Hollywood filmed the show, she lost out to a younger starlet. Dolly earned her the first of three Tony Awards. And because of her highly stylized and energetic performance style, Channing has been a steady presence on the drag circuit across the country. It had been reported in 1973, during the Watergate hearings, that Channing was on a master list of Nixon's political opponents, informally known as Nixon's "enemies list". She has subsequently said that her appearance on this list was the highest honor in her career. Put all that together, and you understand why I love her so!

Drake Jensen • Here Comes Santa Claus

Last week, I mentioned that hunky Drake Jensen had a brand new holiday song hitting the airwaves. Great news, everyone, for this week, I can talk about an old favorite make new once more. Drake put his own spin on the song, offering up even more charm for this darling song. It was written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, and first released by Autry in 1947. It quickly became a classic, and was recorded by many of the biggest names in music, including Doris Day and Elvis Presley. And now, we can add Jensen's name to the list. This is Drake Jensen singing "Here Comes Santa Claus".

Learn how to get a song on iTunes at ReverbNation.com

I can't listen to it without smiling from down deep. There is a wonderful sweetness and love in Drake's vocals, and I just can't get enough of them! "Here Comes Santa Claus" can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can purchase Drake's 2012 holiday release, 'Christmas At Home', from iTunes and CD Baby. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. To check out his most recent music video, for "Live Every Day (Like It Was Christmas Day)", click here.

Bonnie Raitt • Thank You

In 1971, Bonnie Raitt released her eponymous first album, a wonderful and bluesy collection of music. The daughter of Broadway star John Raitt and pianist Marjorie Haydock was still young, several years from the success of 'Nick of Time' album in 1989. But her fantastic talent could not be hidden, and I just thought her recording of "Thank You", written by herself, was a perfect choice for Thanksgiving Week. I know I love it, and think you will too. This is Bonnie Raitt with a live recording of "Thank You".

That first album was an interesting one, even though I didn't find it until much later. I discovered her music in the late 1970s, when I first heard her great cover of Del Shannon's classic, "Runaway". Her brand of the Blues was just so strong, I couldn't resist. I certainly could feel that on the debut album, which also included a cover of "Since I Fell For You", a song written by Buddy Johnson in 1945, and sung by so many since. Bonnie has such a richness in her voice, such a nice roundness in her tone, it is tough to resist her singing "Since I Fell For You".

Have a great weekend!

Eva Cassidy • Autumn Leaves

Well, it is late Friday night, coming on to Saturday morning, and I am still looking for inspiration for this post. Then, like a lightening bolt, it hits me. "Les feuilles mortes", with music by Hungarian-French composer Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert, was written in 1945 for the film 'Les Portes de la Nuit', and sung by French star Yves Montand. Perhaps the most popular version was recorded by Edith Piaf in 1950, both in French, and an English version with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. In 1955, Roger Williams had a #1 hit, the only piano instrumental to top the Billboard charts. It is a wonderful song that marks the change in season, and as I look out the window, I see the shift in the color palette, straying from the vivid greens of summer to the oranges and browns of Autumn. More than forty years after the song was written, the brilliant Eva Cassidy played an acoustic version of the song in what was her final public performance, for the album 'Live at Blues Alley'. On this, and every one of her albums, Cassidy proved to be an exceptional interpreter of classic music. This is Eva singing "Les feuilles mortes", also known as "Autumn Leaves".

Her vocals are just beyond reproach, and it is hard to believe that 11 months later, cancer had taken her life. In fact, she died 17 years ago today, November 2nd. To learn more about Eva Cassidy, visit the official website, put together and maintained by her family. You can also purchase 'Live at Blues Alley' on iTunes and Amazon. While there, check out her other albums, for they are all exceptional, and worth a listen.

Dark Monday • Blue Moon

Richard Rodgers, left, and Lorenz Hart, right.

A song can have a life that extends far beyond what might have been the plans at the time it was first written. Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote "Blue Moon" in 1933, commissioned by MGM to write for the proposed movie, 'Hollywood Party'. They envisioned it as a song for Jean Harlowe, and young girl saying her prayers, hoping to find stardom in Hollywood. This never came to be, so the song was recycled for another film, 'Manhattan Melodrama'. Hart had rewritten the lyrics for the new project, and it was sung by Shirley Ross. The film was released in 1934.

Surprisingly enough, "Blue Moon" was not a hit, and might have been forgotten. But the executives at MGM felt the song could be a hit if it had more romance, and so once again Lorenz Hart went back to the drawing board, to give the song the third set of lyrics. Instead of a coy prayer that asked "Oh Lord, make me a movie star", he came up with lyrics that are much more familiar today. "Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own". It seemed to have worked, for soon artists were lining up to sing the song, and it became a hit. This is Mel Tormé's 1949 recording, making it to the Top 20 on the charts.

In 1961, the song was recorded by a group out of Pittsburgh, The Marcells. They were a Doo-wop group, a sound that was ever-so-popular back then. They decided to change up a classic, and decided that song would be "Blue Moon". They took the romantic love song almost 30 years old, and put on the new sheen of a Doo-wop jacket, and a new generation began to love the song. The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and stayed there for three weeks. This is The Marcells singing "Blue Moon" live.

So it just goes to show you, great music can live forever.

Here's To The Ladies Who Carry The Torch

Clockwise from top: Margaret Whiting, Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney.

I thought I would come back to this sweet sound with yet another group of talented ladies. It is a collection of classic voices, some with household names, others with a bit of a cult following. The first would fall more into the latter, as Margaret Whiting might not have the cache of some of the ladies who follow, but certainly had a long career, having been raised in the business, as father Richard Whiting was a songwriter, having written classics like "Hooray For Hollywood". After having her heyday in the 40s and 50s, she continued to sing in clubs on both coasts. In 1994, she married gay adult star Jack Wrangler, and they stayed together until his passing in 2009. Margaret passed in January of 2011. In 1945, She had a hit singing "It Might As Well Be Spring" with Paul Weston and his Orchestra.

While she couldn't seem to get a job with a big band the way every other girl singer was doing in the late 30s, she became the first woman singer to take her talent solo, and certainly made a name for herself in the 40s and 50s. Dinah Shore couldn't get the job with Benny Goodman or either Tommy or Jimmy Dorsey, so she followed her own path to fame. In 1944, she appeared in 'Belle of the Yukon', and sung the beautiful song by Jimmy van Heusen, "Like Someone In Love". She later went on to host her own talk show. Despite several marriages and high-profile relationships, Dinah's support of Women's Golf somehow translated into constant rumors of her being a lesbian, which is not really supported by any fact.

Our next singer needs no introduction, especially for me. Ella Fitzgerald is a brilliant singer, with a career spanning seven decades, from the 30s to the 90s. she just had so much talent, be it her ability to scat, to groove on some jazz, or just flat out sing a song. This video is of her singing Cole Porter's great song, "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye". This clip is from 1965, but she originally recorded the song in 1956.

I can't tell you how much I loved the voice of our final singer tonight. My mother played her music, and she was certainly in some of my favorite films I remember watching, including 'White Christmas'. Rosemary Clooney's voice was so lovely, with a depth of tone that could bring you to tears as easily as it could get you dancing. Enjoy her singing her 1954 hit, "Hey There", written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross for their Broadway musical, 'The Pajama Game'.

Have a great time with what remains of your weekend!

A Night with Dinah Washington

Miss Dinah Washington was one of the top vocalist of the 1950s, and the was the greatest selling black female recording artist of that period. Her big hit was not just big, but megahuge. "What A Difference A Day Makes" had such a strength and depth to it, it is damn close to irresistible. And like many singers, she first found music in her church, singing in the choir. By the time she was 15 years old, Dinah was playing in clubs around Chicago, making a name for herself. By the time she was 19, she had attracted the attention of many people, including Lionel Hampton, who signed her up to sing with his band. After two years with Hampton, Dinah went solo, and started with singing the music of the great Fats Waller. She also recorded this great song co-written by Louis Jordan and Billy Austin in 1944. Here is Dinah Washington singing "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby".

Next up, Dinah sings "I Don't Hurt Anymore", written by Don Robertson and Jack Rollins. As a single, Dinah had a big hit in 1954, and it is easy to hear why. This Bluesy song is just wonderful, and she sings it perfectly. This is a clip of her singing it live in 1956. You can just eat this up with a spoon, it is so yummy.

In 1955, Washinngton recorded a great song written by Cole Porter, originally featured in the 1934 Broadway musical 'Anything Goes'. Dinah Washington recorded "I Get A Kick Out Of You" for the album 'For Those In Love', and it is easy to see she loves the song. You can hear it in the recording. Another thing you hear on the record is the early work of a young Quincy Jones, who did most of the arrangements for the album.

Dinah sings "Drinking Again", a 1962 torch song, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Doris Tauber. Dinah recorded the song that same year, on an album of the same name. This time out, the songs were arranged by the great Don Costa, best known for his work with Frank Sinatra, both as a producer and arranger.

Unfortunately, Washington was not to be with us that much longer. While she was around, she certainly lived life to the fullest. She was married seven times, and had two children. She made music in four decades, from her choir music in the 1030s, to the high-quality recordings of the 1960s. Early on the morning of December 14, 1963, Washington's seventh husband Dick "Night Train" Lane went to sleep with his wife, and awoke later to find her slumped over and not responsive. A doctor pronounced her dead on the scene. An autopsy later showed a lethal combination of secobarbital and amobarbital, which contributed to her death at the age of 39.

Golden Songs From The Silver Screen

Clockwise: Doris Day; Dame Shirley Bassey; Ella Fitzgerald, and Binnie Hale.

Well, I have to admit I was wondering what to post about, and I came across an old recording by one of my favorites, Michael Feinstein, 'Romance On Film/Romance On Broadway', which featured some amazing songs that might be best known because of a spectacular and memorable performance on stage or on screen. Since many of these were older songs, I went about looking for some amazing recordings to show off what great songs they are. The first of those is a popular song written in 1945 by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Mack Gordon. It has appeared in several films, perfect for fixing the mood of a scene. I picked a song recorded in 1965 by the great Doris Day. When she sings "The More I See You", it is impossible not to feel deeply what love can be.

Next up, I have picked a song introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1960 film 'High Time'. "The Second Time Around" has lyrics by Sammy Cahn and music by Jimmy Van Heusen, a great duo indeed. For this great song, I picked the always amazing Dame Shirley Bassey, with a rendition she recorded for the 1962 album, 'Lets Face The Music'. The great singer was accompanied by the great Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra

I don't know if this post would be able to go without this song written by Herman Hupfeld in 1931. It was written for the 1931 Broadway musical 'Everybody's Welcome' and originally sung by Frances Williams. But perhaps it is best known by a version sung by a character in a 1942 movie. Club singer Sam (Dooley Wilson) sings the song in the movie 'Casablanca'. Yes, we are talking about the great song "As Time Goes By". Now, it has been recorded by a multitude of artists, but after I looked around, I decided to go with a version by Binnie Hale in 1932. There is just such charm on the recording made by this stsar of the British stage.

And, last but most certainly not least, I decided to go with a song written in 1932 by the great songwriting team of Rodgers & Hart. "Isn't It Romantic" was introduced by Jeanette MacDonald and Maurice Chevalier in the Paramount film 'Love Me Tonight'. I decided to go with a lush version recorded in 1957 by the brilliant Ella Fitzgerald recorded. It is my pleasure to share with you the great Ella singing "Isn't It Romantic".

Have a great weekend!

Bette Midler • I Sold My Heart To The Junkman

I will start off your Saturday morning with a little ditty written by Leon René, under the songwriting pseudonym of Jimmie Thomas. "I Sold My Heart to The Junkman" Was first recorded in 1946 by The Basin Street Boys. The song has been sung by many since, including the brilliant Bette Midler, off her 1998 release, 'Bathhouse Betty'. Bette can caress a song like few others can, and she can just as easily rock one out. Enjoy her sweet treatment of "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman".

You can purchase 'Bathhouse Betty' from iTunes and Amazon.

Dark Monday • How Are Things In Glocca Morra

For our Broadway musical treat tonight, I thought I would stick with an Irish theme to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a clip featuring Ella Logan singins the gorgeous "How Are Things In Glocca Morra" from the original 1947 Broadway production of 'Finian's Rainbow'. Ella was a Scottish-born actress/singer who first made a name for herself on London's West End, and crossed the Atlantic to become a star on Broadway as well. Listen to her lovely recording of "How Are Things In Glocca Morra".

Dark Monday • Cadillac Records

In 2008, a movie by the name of 'Cadillac Records'. The movie told the story of Leonard Chess, a man who founded Chess Records, one of the preeminent labels for Blues, Jazz and Rock artists of color to record their music. It got the name from the fact that, in the early years, Chess sold the records out of the trunk of his Cadillac. I didn't think much of the movie on the whole, but thought the soundtrack is amazing, featuring some great music. I'll must offer up one song per artist, and let you hear what I am talking about. I will begin one of the great Blues musicians of all time, Muddy Waters. Many of the British Rock 'N Rollers in the 1960s were inspired by Waters, with his connection to the music, and his heartfelt performances. After moving to Chicago in the 1940s, he truly started his career, and qucikly became known as the father of Chicago blues. For the first entry, we have Jeffrey Wright singing "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" as Muddy Waters.

If I was to say the name Chester Arthur Burnett, I bet very few would know of whom I speak. But if I mentioned Howlin' Wolf, the light bulb might come on for just a few more, for he is considered by many to be one of the premiere performers of Electric Blues, combining Rock and Blues as only he could. Born in Mississippi, the Blues he played came straight from the soul. In our second song from the soundtrack, we have Eamon Walker singing "Smokestack Lightning" as Howlin' Wolf.

Charles Edward Anderson Berry was making waves in music in the 1950s, and was certainly and inspiration to rockers in the 1960s and beyond. You might know him better as Chuck Berry, the Rock 'N Roll guitarist people still look to, and aspire to be like. Of course, most know so many songs made famous by the man, but I decided to go with "No Particular Place To Go", a hit in 1963, proving he still had what it takes to be on top. As Chuck Berry, this is Mos Def singing "No Particular Place To Go".

And, finally, a little lady known as Beyoncé was also in the cast, playing the oh-so-talented Etta James. And while Beyoncé did record and sing James' big hit, "At Last", it was her recording of another song that brought much attention after the film. Beyoncé singing on the soundtrack introduced many young teen and pre-teen girls to some great Blues sung by Etta, and one of those girls, a young Rachel Crow, song a song she attributed to Beyoncé, although it really and truly belongs to Etta. So, as Etta James, this is Beyoncé singing "I'd Rather Go Blind".

You can find the 'Cadillac Records' soundtrack on iTunes and Amazon. If you prefer to go back to the original artists, you can find 'The Best of Chess Records' on iTunes and Amazon.

Just A Little Bit of Blue

Clockwise: Annette Hanshaw; Billie Holiday; Big Maybelle; and June Allyson.

Well, it is Saturday night, and time to hit the clubs again. Only these days, I think I would prefer a nice smokey nightclub to a dance club. Of course, they'd have to have only the best girl singers, putting down some amazing songs about love and life. Tonight, I am glad to feature four songs from four decades. And I will begin with the singer with the earliest recording of this quartet, Annette Hanshaw. Many think of Annette as the first great female Jazz singer, for she was exceedingly popular during the 1920s and 1930s. She was also thought to be the inspiration for the ultimate flapper, Miss Betty Boop. In 1929, Hanshaw recorded a song with music by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1928 Broadway show 'The New Moon'. That song went on to become a classic of the Great American Songbook, sung by many. Listen as Annette sings "Lover, Come Back To Me".

In 1934, another song was written that would be a part of the Great American Songbook. The song, with words and music by Ray Noble, is a Pop standard, sung by so many. But few could sing it like Lady Day. So here is Billie Holiday to sing "The Very Thought of You", which can be found on her 1959 album 'The Billie Holiday Story, Vol. 1'.

And while she really didn't record much outside of the cast recordings of the Broadway and movie musicals she appeared in, June Allyson was cast in many a musical. In fact, she began as a member of the chorus in Broadway shows, before moving up to understudy, and finally, the lead. And it wasn't long before she was on her way to Lon Angeles, on her way to movie stardom. That included being featured in the musical number "Treat Me Rough" from the 1943 musical "Girl Crazy". She is joined in the song by co-star Mickey Rooney, in one of the classics he played opposite Judy Garland.

And, last but most certainly not least, I have a song from a favorite of mine, Big Maybelle. She has a vast catalog of music, and I am oh-so-grateful for that. So I end out Saturday night together with her bluesy "I'm Getting 'Long Alright". The song can be found on 'The Complete Okeh Sessions 1952-1955' and was composed by Bobby Sharp and Charles Singleton.

Dark Monday • Christmas On Broadway

Tonight there is a special post for Dark Monday, the post I dedicate to the Broadway and movie musicals on a night when, in the days of yore, when Broadway took the night off. When they did this, it was the only day of the week the nights were turned off, hence the title 'Dark Monday'. Through the years there have been several Christmas-themed songs from the stage and screen, and I am going to offer up just a couple. I will begin with what might be the most obvious choice of the post. When 'Mame' opened on Broadway in 1966, it certainly had some great talents contributing. The musical was based on the book and Broadway play 'Auntie Mame', which eventually became a movie starring Broadway star Rosalind Russell. The lead character is a charismatic and combustible character,based on novelist's Patrick Dennis' real life aunt. The musical was brought to life with a stellar case, including Angela Lansbury. Here is Angela singing "We Need A Little Christmas" off the original cast album.

Back in 1978, a little-known show opened on Broadway, telling the story of the Chicken Ranch, a legal brothel in Texas. With music and lyrics by Carol Hall, 'Best Little Whorehouse In Texas' was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical and Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for Henderson Forsythe and Carlin Glynn, respectively. There is a moment in the show when the house madame sing a beautiful ballad, which went on to be one of the long-lasting impressions from the show. Enjoy this version of "Hard Candy Christmas" sung by the star of the movie version, Dolly Parton.

The next show features Music by Charles Strouse amd Lyrics by Martin Charnin. The musical 'Annie came to the Broadway stage in 1977, telling the story of a young orphan girl at the time of the Great Depression. While it gave us the ultimate Broadway song in "Tomorrow" and one of the most delicious character in Mrs. Hannigan. Here is "A New Deal From Christmas" being performed as part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year.

While it took decades before the Broadway musical to be made inspired from the Paramount Pictures holiday classic, White Christmas. That 1954 film was, in fact, inspire by the 1942 Paramount musical, 'Holiday Inn'. Both films featured the music of the great Irving Berlin, and much of the scores were included in the 2004 Broadway version running for the holiday season. But in this clip, we see Bing Crosby sing the song, which I think appeared in the 1942 film. Nonetheless, enjoy "White Christmas"!

Enjoy your Christmas!

Christmas Fun

Clockwise: Gayla Peevey; Jimmy Boyd; Spike Jones; and Eartha Kitt.

Sometimes you come across songs that just by mentioning their name, a smile comes to your lips. Quite often they are considered novelty songs, which might cause some to scoff. I am not one of them, however. Some of these songs just capture something special, whether it is the particular mood of a time, or something real for a person. The next song is the former, at least for me. Back in 1953, ten-year-old Gayla Peevey sang "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas", the song by John Rox. There is something so child-like about the song, it just stirs the soul with a wonderful warm feeling.

By comparison, Jimmy Boyd was a mature performer in 1952 when recorded "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" at the ripe age of thirteen. The song zoomed up the charts, and soon was the #1 song on the Billboard Pop charts. The song was written by Tommie Connor, originally commissioned by Sax Fifth Avenue for their Christmas card, once Jimmy laid down the recording, it quickly became more than just a commercial.

With a song written by Joan Javits (who is the daughter of New York Senator Jacob Javits) and Philip Springer, Eartha Kitt had quite the hit in 1953. That is when she was coy and flirty, singing "Santa Baby". The song was a big hit, proving Kitt to be quite marketable in her first year as a recording artist. It went on to be covered by many, but it is hard to believe anyone can own it as well as Eartha.

And sometimes, there is a perfect combination between music and comedy. When I think about the 1948 single from Spike Jones & his City Slickers, that is exactly what we have. Jones has this delightful whistling performance, as he sings "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth". The song was written in 1944 by Donald Yetter Gardner, a public school teacher noting many in his classes were missing a front tooth, effecting their speech patterns. But once Jones got hold of the song, he infused it with the the right amount of comedy and toddler realness. Enjoy the song!

Christmas Belles

Clockwise: Ella Fitzgerald; Lena Horne; Peggy Lee; Judy Garland; and Pearl Bailey.

With Christmas only days away, I thought I'd pick up that theme with some of the great ladies from days gone by. I came across an old collection called 'Christmas Belles' and found that to be a great source of wonderful music. These are five of the first six cuts, as I could not find one on Youtube. So we can start with the always delightful Ella Fitzgerald as she sings the classic "Sleigh Ride".

I am not sure you can have a collection of greats without putting Judy Garland on it. And it is only natural to sing the song she introduced in the 1944 MGM musical 'Mett Me In St. Louis". It was directed by Vincent Minnelli, and featured a cameo by daughter Liza. But it also had Judy singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Lena Horne was a woman of abundant talent, and singing was included. She had scuh style and flair, as well as an amazing tone. You can hear it when she sings "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"

And when you speak of someone who had great style, it is had to miss the brillaint Pearl Bailey. I remember seeing her appear on the variety shows, like the Mike Douglas Show, and sing all kinds of songs. I don't remember seeing her sing "Jingle Bells Cha-Cha-Cha", but I sure wish I did.

Finally, this is a gorgeous song filled with sweet images. Somewhere along the way, a fan made a video, and it is a nice one. Of course, it is tough to go wrong when you are starting with the talents of Peggy Lee, and when she sings a wonderful song like "Christmas Carousel".

Merry Christmas!

Saturday Night Love

Clockwise: Vera Lynn; Anita O'Day; Sophie Tucker; and Jo Stafford.

As I was thinking about this post, I decided to listen to one of my playlists on iTunes, hoping for some inspiration. After listening to a couple of songs, I had to laugh at myself. What was I thinking, hoping for inspiration? These are the songs I am gonna use, by golly! So I started with the voice of a woman many thought of as the voice of World War II in the UK. Many found strength and support in Vera Lynn's voice, no matter what she sang. I picked her beautiful song released in 1940, "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square", written by Eric Maschwitz and Manning Sherwin.

Ultimately, I think that Anita O'Day might be one of my favorite big band/jazz singers. No matter what I am listening to, I find there are some singers I constantly find playing. Anita is one of them. So I picked one of my favorites, a song from 1945 written by Jimmy McHugh and Clarence Gaskill, "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me".

How can anyone not love the vocals of Jo Stafford? Tonight I will feature a song written by Chilton Price, and later adapted by Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart. In 1952, Stafford released her version of the classic song "You Belong To Me", and it soared on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. While she was thrilled to get to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in her native US, it also gave her the unique position of being the first woman to have a #1 song on the UK Pop charts.

Now, I don't understand how anyone could not love the great Sophie Tucker. While some might have gotten to know her through the bawdy jokes told by the Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, in her live shows. And while Sophie was an amazing talent, she was also a woman who was ahead of her time, which gave many producers pause while she was singing in the 1930s and 1940s. Through it all, Sophie stood tall, and continued to makes some wonderful music. Here is the 1930 live performance of "No One But The Right Man Can Do Me Wrong" from London.