Dark Monday • Éirinn go Brách-dway

Left: Barbra Streisand, and right: Anita O'Day.

On January 10, 1947, the original Broadway production of 'Finian's Rainbow' opened at the 46th Street Theatre, in New York City. The hit show had lyrics by E.Y. Harburg and music by Burton Lane. The show told the story of an Irish father and daughter who move to the American South to bury a pot of gold, hoping it would grow. And, of course, the leprechaun that followed them. Two months later, another original Broadway production opened March 13, 1947, at the Ziegfeld Theatre. 'Brigadoon' is a musical with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. It is a story of a group that stumbles upon a Scottish town that only appears once every century. Of course, love blooms when strangers meet. What do these two productions have in common? Aside from the year 1947, they both have songs that Barbra Streisand made into a medley that is gorgeous to hear. She sings "How Are Things In Glocca Morra" from 'Finian's Rainbow' and "Heather on the Hill" from 'Brigadoon', to make a lovely aural experience. This is Barbra Streisand with her recording of the songs.

Another of the great songs from 'Finian's Rainbow' became an instant classic, with vocalists putting their time in the studio to be a part of the fun. One of those voices could be counted as one of my favorites for the Jazz singers. Anita O'Day teamed up with with the Oscar Peterson Quartet to record "Old Devil Moon" from the Broadway hit. It appeared on her 1957 album, 'Anita Sings the Most'. This is Anita O'Day and the Oscar Peterson Quartet singing "Old Devil Moon".

And since it is St. Patrick's Day, I have to add "Éirinn go Brách" people!

Love Songs For Valentine's Day

Clockwise: Anita O'Day, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, and Blossom Dearie.

As we are less than 24 hours removed from Valentine's Day, the aroma of roses, chocolate, and wine is still on the air. Yes, that means love is still in the air, and so I thought I would continue that mood. After all, I often think this world could use more love and less hate. And I will do it using some of my favorite ladies to deliver them. I will begin with a song recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" was composed in 1932 by George Bassman, with lyrics by Ned Washington. It was a popular hit for Dorsey, and was sung by the great Frank Sinatra when he was with the orchestra. But I do love the recording made by Anita O'Day. There is such a depth to her vocals, and I can't get enough. You can find her recording on the album 'Skylark', which has some other great songs. But the one that matters most right now is Anita O'Day singing "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You".

The next song up was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1938, and recorded by some of the great names in the business, including Billie Holiday and Judy Garland. Tonight, I'd liek to share with you the recording by Sarah Vaughan, having recorded it with Count Basie and his Orchestra. I have long been a fan of Sarah's style, a true Jazz singer who takes each song on a journey that is clearly her own. This is Sarah Vaughan with Count Basie performing "You Go To My Head".

I have long enjoyed the song "Que Reste-t-il de Nos Amours?", which translates to "What Remains of Our Love?". It was composed by Léo Chauliac and Charles Trenet, with lyrics by Charles Trenet. It was recorded in 1942 by Trenet, a popular hit in France. In 1957, the song was given new lyrics by Albert A. Beach for the first solo album by Keely Smith. She introduced the American audiences to the song, now known as "I Wish You Love". The song became an instant favorite of many, all offering their own take on it. I do love many of them, but thought I would share the one by Blossom Dearie, the woman who ruled dinner clubs and Jazz rooms in New York City. Her style is special, and so very sweet. She included the song on her 1964 album, 'May I Come In'. This is Blossom Dearie with "I Wish You Love".

I do remember listening to Julie London when I was young, as my mother loved her music. She would play her on the Hi-Fi, and I remember thinking the lady on the cover was just beautiful. Her style was so smokey and sexy, it is easy to understand why she was so popular. I found her recording of "I Left My Heart in San Fransisco", a song written in 1953 by George Cory and Douglass Cross. While the song is very much identified with Tony Bennett, he was not the first to do so. It was sung by Claramae Turner, who often sang it as an encore for her live shows. In 1957, the song appeared on 'Make Love to Me', an album of love songs performed by London. I truly enjoyed her take on it. This is Julie London singing "I Left My Heart in San Fransisco".

Interestingly enough, Tony Bennett didn't sing the song until 1961, but the song considered 'his'. Have a great weekend!

Giving Thanks In November

Clockwise: Anita O'Day, Julie London, Miss Peggy Lee, and June Christy.

As I was thinking of what to post about, it occurred to me that Thanksgiving is next Thursday, and I have much to be grateful for. I have my health, and plenty of friends and family to celebrate the holidays with. As I said my thanks, I figured I would hit my iTunes, and type it in, to see what came up. I am delighted to say, it was a song recorded by one of my favorites, Anita O'Day. I just love her style and her voice. I really love her recording of "Thanks for the Memory", a song with music composed by Ralph Rainger and lyrics by Leo Robin, and written in 1938. It was first introduced by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film 'The Big Broadcast of 1938. But, as I said, I really enjoy this recording of 'Thanks for the Memory" by Anita O'Day.

As delightful as that is, I also wanted to check out iTunes for the month. Well, for the month of 'November', anyway. And what I came up with was a record from 1956, "November Twilight". Julie London recorded the song written by Paul Francis Webster for her album 'Calendar Girl'. The song, a smooth yet smokey song that is sexy and flirty, but it never goes too far. Here is the wonderful Julie London singing "November Twilight".

As a teenager in Springfield, Illinois, June Christy started singing with several local bands. After graduating high school, she made the move to New York City to pursue a career in music, and soon auditioned to sing with the Stan Kenton Band, after Anita O'Day had left. This collaboration was a successful one, with several big hits in the mid-1940s. As she became known for her smooth Jazz styling, Christy embarked on a solo career that led to more success, and appearances on television. I really like her performance of "Winter's Got Spring Up It's Sleeve", written by Connie Pearce and Arnold Miller. Her 1960 recording seemed like it was a perfect song for the post. So here is June Christy singing "Winter's Got Spring Up It's Sleeve".

As winter seems to have moved into the areas that experience it, at least on this hemisphere, I thought a great was to end tonight is with another song featuring that season. And I can't think of a lovelier was than with the always amazing Miss Peggy Lee, along side Art Lund and the Benny Goodman Orchestra, on "Winter Weather". The song, written by Ted Shapiro, was meant to be a Christmas song, but for some reason, it never caught on to be a classic. However, it is a fantastic song, and perfect for the colder weather. So please enjoy the 1941 recording of Miss Peggy Lee and Art Lund with the Benny Good Orchestra on "Winter Weather".

Have a great weekend!

Songs From the Hart • Rodgers & Hart

Clockwise: Anita O'Day, Barbara Cook, Dinah Washington, and Peggy Lee.

Richards Rodgers and Lorenz Hart were a monumentally successful writing team in the 1920s and 1930s, making hit Broadway scores filled with songs that went on to be an essential part of the Great American Songbook. And when they weren't working ion Broadway, they were making Hollywood sing! With songs like "Blue Moon", "With A Song In My Heart", "Isn't It Romantic", "Blue Moon", "My Funny Valentine", "The Lady Is A Tramp", and so many others, it is no wonder they rank among the top songwriters of the day. I offer you four very talented ladies singing four great songs I haven't mentioned yet, starting with one of my favorites, Anita O'Day. Her vocal instrument is a magical thing to me, So when she takes on a great song like "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered", I get warm just thinking about it. The song, from the 1940 musical 'Pal Joey', is so soft, so tender, and Anita delivers it so sweetly. So I hope you enjoy when Anita O'Day sings "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered".

There are just some special voices out there, and I have to say Barbara Cook is one of them. She was a glowing light on Broadway in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, including winning the Tony Award playing Marion in the original production of 'The Music Man' in 1957. In 1959, Cook released the album 'Barbara Cook Sings From the Heart', featuring the music of Rodgers and Hart. One of the tracks she sang was fro the 1936 musical 'On Your Toes', a show that was directed by C. Worthington Miner and choreographed by George Balanchine. It featured Ray Bolger, and the show ran for over 300 performances. It was originally written as a movie for Fred Astaire, but he thought it was not right for him, and it went to Broadway and made Ray Bolger a star. From that score came a delightful number that certainly grabs my attention, especially when sung by Cook. Please enjoy Barbara Cook singing "There's A Small Hotel", off her 'Sings From the Heart' album.

While many of her hits had a sexy, sultry feel, Peggy Lee was a great singer who showed through time and many styles just how great she could be. Lee began her career as a singer on the radio, and in fact had her own local show while still a teen. She moved to California, and was singing at club when she was discovered by Benny Goodman, and became his singer at the age of 21. Just a few years earlier, in 1937, Rodgers and Hart had a hit Broadway musical that was quickly made into an MGM musical. With a score that included "My Funny Valentine", "The Lady Is A Tramp", "Johnny One Note" and more, the 1939 film starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney was a surefire hit. Another of the songs was recorded in 1941 by Lee and the Benny Goodman Trio, one of their early recordings. I hope you love Miss Peggy Lee singing "Where Or When", their romantic look at déjà vu.

There is something so delicious and spicy about the vocals of Dinah Washington. Both her voice and her phrasing were unique, making her a must-hear vocalist. The woman was singing from an early age, first with the Gospel choir in church, and soon was singing solo, wining a talent contest at age 15, and launched a career singing in Chicago clubs. It was there she was heard by Lionel Hampton, who helped launch her recording career. By the late 1940s, Washington was making hit records, topping the R&B charts. In 1955, she released the album 'For Those In Love', made up by some of the great love songs of the time. That would include "This Can't Be Love", from the 1938 musical 'The Boys From Syracuse'. The song is a real look at love, as opposed to the romanticized look at it. I hope you can enjoy Dinah Washington singing "This Can't Be Love" as much as I do.

Rodgers and Hart wrote so many great songs, I could put together another 50 posts. And, given time, I just might. But I hope this Jazzy interlude makes for a nice moment in your weekend.

Saturday Night Cocktails

Clockwise: Betty Carter & Ray Stevens; John Stevens; Anita O'Day; and Aretha Franklin.

Well, it is Saturday night, and for many, at least at one pint in history, it meant finding a neighborhood girl to watch the kids, and going out to a local club, or maybe just going to a friends house and having some cocktails and conversation. And while that was going on, there would definitely be music playing, be it Pop or Jazz. In my heart, it will always be a combination of Jazz standards and Pop Torch songs, for I do love them so very much. With that in mind I planned an evening of music and drinks. Well, at least some music about drinking. To give you an idea, I will begin with the first song on the playlist, "Cocktails For Two" as sung by Ray Charles and Betty Carter. The song was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the 1934 film, 'Murder at the Vanities'.

And while I think of classic songs when I think of my Saturday night posts, I have a brand new one for you up next. I think John Stevens still has a certain real charm when he performs, and you can tell he just loves the music. In fact, it was this song and video that inspired this post to start with. Here is a music video of the John Stevens Band as it performs "Intoxicated", with words and music written by John Stevens himself. It seems the crooner has come so far since his time on season 3 of American Idol. Please Enjoy John as he sings "Intoxicated" with the John Stevens Band.

What happens when you combine Johnny Mercer with Aretha Franklin? Well, you get something explosive and impressive, and this song is a prime example. The Queen of Soul sings "Drinking Again", with music by Mercer and music by Doris Tauber. I first came to know this song in the 1970s when it was sung by the one and only Bette Midler, but it had been written a decade before, and sung by some of the great voices of music, including Aretha, Frank Sinatra, and Dinah Washington. Listen to Aretha Franklin sing the song as only she could.

And, finally, I return to another of the great voices I love so very much. Anita O'Day was the favorite of many other singers. She had a style all her own, using her voice as much like another instrument in the band as well as a means of communication. Her vocals often eschewed the melody line, taking on the beat, driving the song much like the percussion section. I just love listening to her. This is her recording of "Blue Champagne", an effervescent delight, you can be sure.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Cole Porter!

Clockwise: John Barrowman, kd lang, Jimmy Somerville, and Anita O'Day.

One hundred and twenty-two years ago, a boy was born in Peru, Indiana. Cole Albert Porter was born to a wealthy family, a family that did not love the idea that the young man decided to embark on a career in music. I guess they didn't really understand he was going to be one of the top songwriters of the first half of the Twentieth Century, with shows on Broadway as well as movie musicals making his songs quite popular. To celebrate his birthday, I thought I would pick some of my favorite singers taking on his fantastic music. And I will being with the ever-so-handsome and talented John Barrowman. In 2004, John put out an exceptional album 'John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter', and it still love it. Barrowman first came to the attention of many in a revival of 'Anything Goes', with music and lyrics of Porter. But I decided to pick one of my favorites from the album.So here is John Barrowman singing "Ca, C'est L'Amour".

Well, it is tough to think of doing this post and not including the brilliant kd lang. She has recorded several of his songs, and each and every one has been a gem in it's own right. I mean, come on, her "Miss Chatelaine" is amazing, and her "So In Love" is haunting. But I discovered her version of "Love For Sale" while doing this post, and I have to say, I love it! Apparently, she recorded it for the 2006 movie 'The Black Dahlia', playing in a scene in a gay bar. My God, her voice is just amazing. Enjoy as kd lang sings "Love For Sale".

I have always had a bit of a thing for the very talented and ofter overlooked Anita O'Day. I just love her style, and the quality of her voice. And forty-five years before Barrowman released his album, Anita released an album titled 'Anita O'Day Swings Cole Porter', a wonderful collection of wonderful songs all given amazing treatment by this wonderful talent. With 24 songs from which to choose, I really couldn't decide. But then I remembered her version of "What Is This Thing Called Love", and I knew it had to be included.

Finally, I thought I would end the post with a song off the 1990 tribute album, 'Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute To Cole Porter'. Many of the biggest and brightest names in music joined in to be a part of the CD, and the money went to AIDS charities. It was the first time the music industry took a stand about the AIDS crisis, and it was incredibly successful, selling over a million copies. One of my favorite tracks was by the always amazing Jimmy Somerville, who sing "From This Moment On". Enjoy!

Happy birthday, Cole Porter!

Spring Inspires

Clockwise: Blossom Dearie; Anita O'Day; Sarah Vaughan; and Billie Holiday.

This week, we ushered in Spring, even if much of the United States is still wrapped in colder temperatures, and even some snow. But I thought I would welcome the season, and maybe inspire a bit of warm weather with some songs about Spring, sung by some of the finest vocalists I can find. And I will start with the adorable and charming Blossom Dearie as she sings "Spring In Manhattan", a song written by Anthony Scibetta. It was off the 1976 album 'My New Celebrity Is You'. I love the way Blossom takes on the song, with a light and airy approach.

I am such a huge fan of Anita O'Day, and still listen to her often. She has her own style, and a voice that not only sounds great, but also has a beautiful edge to it. Anita's battles with drugs and alcohol were noted, but I think that also colored her voice in some wonderful ways. For this post, I picked out her singing a duet with Cal Tajder, a great pianist of the day, from the 1962 album they released, 'Time For Two'. They did an amazing job with Frank Loesser's "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year". The song first appeared as part of the soundtrack of the 1944 film, 'Christmas Holiday'.

If you are putting together a list of great singers, you can certainly never leave off the great Lady Day, Miss Billie Holiday. She recorded "Some Other Spring" for her 1956 album, 'Lady Sings The Blues'. The song was written by Arthur Herzog, Jr. and Irene Kitchings. Herzog collaberated several times with Billie, including writing her iconic song, "God Bless The Child", with her. But this is Billie singing "Some Other Spring".

I think Sarah Vaughan is an amazing talent, and vastly underrated. The things she could make her voice do is amazing. It often feels like her voice is truly another instrument, adding musical depth to whatever she sings. I picked her singing "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most", a song written in 1955, with lyrics by Fran Landesman and music by Tommy Wolf. It was included on the 1963 album 'Snowbound', surrounded by some truly amazing Jazz songs.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Valentine Torch

Clockwise: Anita O'Day; Big Maybelle; Eartha Kitt; and Blossom Dearie.

As it is Valentine's Day weekend, I thought I had to go with the love theme for the 'torch' post this week. Well, coming up with torch songs about love seems like shooting fish in a barrel, so I just decide to pick some of my favorite singers and go for it. I start with one of my favorites, the brilliant Anita O'Day, who manages to display both strength and vulnerability in her voice, often in the same line. She toys with rhythm with her syncopation, and her voice is another instrument. I just love to hear her sing, a master at work. "What Is This Thing Called Love" was written by Cole Porter in 1929, and been covered by some of the greatest voices of the last century, but Anita's cover remains a favorite of mine.

There is nothing about Big Maybelle I don't like. She can be soft and sweet in songs like "Candy", and she can be rough and tumble on others like "Ninety-Six Tears". But no matter what she was singing, she always sounded like Big Maybelle, totally original. For her this evening, I chose "Just Want your Love", written by Maybelle herself in the early 1950s. There is a bold strain of Blues at the base of this song, with an undercurrent of hurt. Hope you enjoy "Just Want Your Love".

Not only was Blossom Dearie an amazing talent in the sea of gifted artists in mid-century Manhattan, she maintained that place for several decades. There is an innocence in her voice, so soft, yet enduring. She is another total original, always making music that is true to herself, not trying to copy anyone else. I picked her singing "Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be)", a sweet song written by Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez, and James Sherman in 1941.

Finally, there is the incredibly unique Eartha Kitt. I don't know what more can be said about the woman, who had success on records, on the stage, and in the movies. She even had success on the small screen, playing Catwoman on the Batman series. From the 1950s until her death in 2008, she was a star who glowed brightly in the sky. In 1962, she recorded "Love For Sale", written by Cole Porter in 1930, for her album 'Bad But Beautiful'. She gives it her own special twist, starting sweet before she moved on to the saucy side of the song.

Hope your weekend is filled with love!

Songs About The Moon

Clockwise: Helen Kane; Billie Holiday; Anita O'Day; the moon; Patti Austin; and Jo Stafford.

So just the other night, I was watching television when I got a phone call from my sister Kathy. With trepidation I picked up, fearful this could not be great news. She sounded excited when she told me "You have to see the moon, you just have to!" She was outside with her dogs, Tigger and Pooh Bear, when she saw it for herself. I couldn't see anything out of my window on a quick glance, so I grabbed my camera, just i case the moon was so very special, and went outside. It was a bright, full moon, to be sure, and I snapped a few pictures. In fact, the shots of the moon in this post are from that night. So when I was trying to come up with an idea for a post, I came across the shots, and it inspired me. So the following are all songs with the "moon" in the title, all written in the first half of the last century. And in the first clip, I bring you the oldest recording of the group, and the first song I went to when I had the theme in mind. The 1920s belonged to the flapper, and young Helen Kane was the epitome of that woman. In fact, she was the basis for the character of 'Betty Boop', both in look and in sound. In case you aren't sure about that, I say give a listen to her 1928 recording of "Me and the Man In The Moon".

And how could I do this post without one of the many songs that would fit recorded by the great Billie Holiday? In 1936, Billie had a recording session in New York City with some great musicians, and they all seemed to inspire the best from each other. So, with Jonah Jones on trumpet, Harry Carney on clarinet, Lawrence Lucie on guitar, John Kirby on bass and Cozy Cole on drums, here is Billie Holiday singing "It's Like Reaching For The Moon".

Next up, we have a song composed by Burton Lane, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg for the 1947 musical 'Finian's Rainbow'. While there are plenty of great songs in that score, only one qualifies for this post. This time out, I look to the wonderful Jo Stafford when she was singing with Paul Weston's Big band. Here, from the 1958 album "Swinging Down Broadway", we have "Old Devil Moon'.

I also have to admit to having an unnatural attachment to the music of this next singer. With a song off her 1955 album 'This Is Anita', her debut release on the Verve label, I offer to you Anita O'Day singing "No Moon At All", written by Redd Evans and David Mann.

While I usually stop at four videos, I found it impossible not to include our final post to the group. While many might hear the name Patti Austin an think of some of the great R&B singles from the 1980s, like "Baby, Come To Me". And while her gorgeous voice might be just right for R&B, she is also stepping up and making some fantastic Jazz. In fact, she took home the Grammy in 2008 for Best Jazz Vocal. Here is Patti singing "How High The Moon" in a 2007 performance. The Jazz standard has lyrics by Nancy Hamilton and music by Morgan Lewis.

I hope you have great weekend, and when you look up at the moon, you are reminded of some of the great songs written and performed in the last 100 years. The five songs above are just a drop in the bucket of all the songs inspired by the lunar light. Find some to play on your iPod the next time you get the chance to relax and enjoy the moon yourself, or with someone you love.

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.

Carrying My Torch

Clockwise from Top Left: Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Julie London, Anita O'Day, Gladys Knight, and Etta James.

For the holiday weekend, I thought I would resurrect my first "Torch Song" post from about 18 months ago. I hope you enjoy this jazzy break to your holiday weekend. My love to all!


With a nod to Father's Day, I thought I would just compile a group of glorious lady torch singers, and let them tempt and tease their way over a drink and a smoke. Much of their music can conger up images of smokey clubs with a piano and a woman at the microphone, a little worn by the world. Men loved the torch singers - the straight men wanted to sleep with them, the gay boys wanted to be them, with their hearts broken over some no-good thug. Drag Queens were them, often twice a night on the weekends.

A clear example of a classic torch singer would be Julie London singing Cry Me A River. Long before she played nurse 'Dixie' on Emergency!, she was stopping hearts when she sang jazz classics.



While everyone knows our next singer for the timeless beauty of At Last, it was far from the only song she sang. Etta James not only sang I'd Rather Go Blind, she also reportedly wrote the lyrics. She is performing the song in the clip with Dr. John.



Miss Peggy Lee spend six decades singing, starting with a time as the vocalist for the Benny Goodman Band. She could do it all, whether it was the wronged woman, the coquette, or or the wise friend, she poured an honesty into her work. Check her out singing Why Don't You Do Right? with the Benny Goodman Band.



When I first thought of this post, I knew I wanted Miss Lena Horne to be a part of it. What I didn't want was to post yet another clip of her singing Stormy Weather. She is way too good to be defined by that one song. So I found this, a clip of Miss Horne sings You'd Better Love Me.



Our next singer shattered the image of the 'girl singer' back in the day. Instead of showing up to sing in a ballgown, she would appear in a skirt and a jacket that would match the band. But that isn't where it ended. She had her own style, was more rhythmic in her singing, her musicality. That should come as no surprise, as she also played the drums. Here is Anita O'Day as she sings My Funny Valentine.



It is tough to figure out what to say about the great Gladys Knight that hasn't been said already. She first came to the attention of the public when she won on the great-grandfather of American Idol, Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour television show in 1952, when she was just seven years old. In the 60s, she was signed to Motown Records, and has been a star since, almost 50 years later. Watch the clip as Gladys sings Please Send Me Someone To Love with accompaniment by the amazing and illustrious BB King.



Hope you enjoyed the ladies who carry their light with a big torch!

Rain Can't Extinguish The Heart

Clockwise: Anita O'Day; Blossom Dearie; Diana Drall; and Billie Holiday.

No matter how much Sandy has blown, or how much rain she dropped on us all, she might be able to dampen our spirits, but she cannot douse the fire in our hearts. How do I know that? Well, there are some incredible ladies that tell me things, like the brilliant Anita O'Day when she sings "Soon It's Gonna Rain" from the 1960 musical comedy 'The Fantasticks,' with lyrics written by Tom Jones, and music composed by Harvey Schmidt.

Next up, there is a song from the 1970 album from Blossom Dearie, called 'That's Just The Way I Want To Be.' The last cut on the album is "I Like London In The Rain," written by Blossom and Jim Council. While Dearie started recording music in the 1950s, this was the first album that truly featured her talents as a songwriter, instead of a great interpreter of songs.

In 1997, Diana Krall put out a wonderful album, 'Love Scenes.' One of the songs was "Gentle Rain," written by Luiz Bonfá and Matt Dubey. It is a gorgeous and sultry song, perfect to just wrap yourself in.

Now, I do love to listen to the great Billie Holiday, and while it might have been easy to choose her "Come Rain Or Come Shine" recording, I couldn't resist picking a popular song written in 1936 by Arthur Johnston and Johnny Burke. Would it be great it when the skies open up, it rained "Pennies From Heaven"? Certainly if Billie was a part of it.

Have a great weekend!

Love In Tune

Clockwise: Fanny Brice, Big Maybelle, Anita O'Day, and Julie London.

As I was looking for inspiration, I went to the music of some of my favorite lady singers, and that is when it hits me. Love. Has anything driven more songs than love? I didn't think so. So I went to some of my favorite lady singers, and wondered what they could offer. Well, they answered loud and strong, and allowed me to plenty of choices for tonight. I was lucky enough to pick my favorite singers, and then some of their wonderful performances to make it fantastic. Up first, I will go to a favorite of the blog, the elegant and sexy Julie London. So I picked a song with music by Victor Young and lyrics by Edward Heyman. Enjoy while Julie sings "When I Fall In Love".

I love the fact that you can find so much amazing music online, and that includes my nest singer, the talented Fanny Brice. For many, Brice is a character who earned an Academy Award for Barbra Streisand. In fact, Brice was a huge star in the 1910s thru to the early 1950s. Brice was a triple threat, known for her singing, comedy, and acting. She was often seen on Broadway, where she was often a headliner for the Ziegleld Follies. She also appeared in films, and was the star of "Baby Snooks", a hit on the radio from the late 1930s until heard passing in 1951. She also had a huge hit with the song "Mon Homme", a song originally composed by Jacques Charles, Channing Pollock, Albert Willemetz, and Maurice Yvain. Fanny recorded the English version, "My Man", in 1921. It was the song that Barbra Streisand delivered at the end of "'Funny Girl'. Here is Fanny's version.

I just adore Anita O'Day, and can't get enough of her. I just love her, and jumped at the chance to include her as well. Here O'Day sings a song with music by Walter Donaldson and lyrics by Gus Kahn. Listen to the beauty waiting to be found in "Love Me Or Leave Me".

I am also nuts about the amazing Big Maybelle. And that has nothing to do with the rather tragic life, as she is said to have fought her demons during her lifetime, with addiction issues. Her voice was just so delicious, so full and brimming with feeling. You can hear that in her version of the Blues classic, "Careless Love".

Hope you enjoyed the music!

Old Jazz Favorites

Clockwise: Anita O'Day; Sarah Vaughan; Betty Hutton; (left to right) Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack, and Aretha Franklin; and Ella Fitzgerald.

I was just in no mood to come up with a theme, so the best I could do is to pull a couple of names of singers who were my favorites, and then figure out what song I want them to sing. So let me start with one of my favorites, Anita O'Day. I first discovered her on the soundtrack to Torch Song Trilogy, where Harvey Feirstein used her recording of "Can't We Be Friends". For this post, I thought Anita's version of "Honeysuckle Rose" was just what the doctor ordered.




I just think there is no way possible to go wrong when you decide to listen to Ella Fitzgerald. No matter what she sings, it will be worth listening to. I thought about a classic like "A-Tisket A-Tasket" or some other great. But I decided I wanted to hear the beauty in Ella's voice, and so this is the lush "These Foolish Things".



I first heard the next song performed by Bjork, and thought it was just a delightful song she wrote. I was wrong, for it was a wonderful song first made popular by Betty Hutton, who first drew attention as a big band singer, before she became a huge star in Hollywood. Check out the comedic performance by Betty Hutton on "It's Oh So Quiet".



I really love what Sarah Vaughan brings to every song she sings. There is just an unquantifiable magic in her interpretation that truly sets her apart. When I found this clip of "Fly Me To The Moon," I couldn't wait to post it.



While trying to find the clip of Vaughan, I ran across this next one, and knew it had to be included tonight. On this medley of Duke Ellington songs, you hear the incredible line up of Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Sarah Vaughan, and Peggy Lee. What a joy this is to hear - even if the video is not great quality.



Have a great Saturday night!