Torch • At Long Last Cole Porter

Left to right: Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, and Lena Horne.

Lena Horne sings "At Long Last Love". The song was written by Cole Porter for his 1938 musical 'You Never Know'. The show was notable only because it was Porter's first show after the riding accident that left him using a cane for the rest of his life. Apparently, much of the show is forgettable, even though it featured music by Cole Porter and Robert Katscher, lyrics by Cole Porter, additional lyrics by Leigh and Edwin Gilbert, and songs by others as well. That description alone tells me it will be a bit of a mess. But it had this song, and here it is sung by the always brilliant Miss Lena Horne.

Julie London sings "What Is This Thing Called Love". The song was written for the musical revue 'Wake Up and Dream', on Broadway in 1929. In fact, the show opened on December 20, 1929, making it the final Broadway opening of the 1920s. The song almost instantly became a Jazz standard, and is one of the most performed songs of Porter's impressive songbook. As London is still a favorite of my mother, I can't help but have a warm pot for her and her music. This is Julie London singing "What Is This Thing Called Love".

Ella Fitzgerald sings "It's Alright With Me". The song is from the 1953 musical 'Can-Can'. The show featured the stories of the ladies performing in the Parisian dance halls of the 1890s. The musical was a success both in the original Broadway production as well as the original West End production in London. Here, it is performed by the iconic Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice is just so perfect to sing Jazz and standards as few others can. This is Ella with "It's Alright With Me".

Judy Garland sings "I Am Loved" from the 1950 musical, 'Out of This World'. The show was an adaptation of Plautus' comedy 'Amphitryon', featuring Roman Gods wanting to have some fun with mere humans. The show was the follow-up to the hugely successful 'Kiss Me, Kate', and was his first and only box office failure of the 1950s. Of course, there was only two more shows by Porter to come, 'Can-Can' and 'Silk Stockings'. But I think this song is a perfect way to end the post. This is Judy Garland singing "I Am Loved".

After decades of pain in his legs from the riding accident in 1937, and following 34 surgeries to try to fix it, Porter's right leg was amputated in 1958. Having already lost his mother in 1952, and his wife, Linda, in 1954, it was thought this was the final straw to break Cole, and he went in seclusion, writing no more music until his death in 1964. Luckily for us all, he left a rich songbook that will always entertain.

Julio Iglesias • Volver a Empezar (Begin the Beguine)

After several years of having to put up with the lifeless whispers of his son, Enrique, I think I had forgotten how truly talented Julio Iglesias was. The man was tall, handsome, and very sexy, and sure could sing. I remember back in the day, other singers like Frank Sinatra thought he was the best! As a recording artist, Iglesias has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide, and is still hitting the studio, despite the fact he is now in his 70s. His first English-language hit was a cover of the great Cole Porter song, "Begin The Beguine", sung in both English and Spanish. He pretty much owned the 1980s, and it is no wonder with his voice and easy style. This is Julio Iglesias singing "Begin the Beguine".

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Date Night • Let's Fall In Love & Eden

Tonight, I offer you up a bit of love for date night. The first is an Italian short by director Pappi Corsicato that seems to get some inspiration from Cole Porter. In 1928, the song "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" premiered on the Broadway stage in the musical 'Paris'. As an instrumental version of the song plays in the background of the 3 minute film, two young men walk through a mall, sharing more than just a moment. Unfortunately, love is an emotion that doesn't always fly solo. Some are taught that fear goes with their love. This is 'Let's Fall in Love'.

Our next short film was written by Jason A. Rostovsky and directed by Sean Willis. Together, they also acted as producers for 'Eden'. The story takes place in the future, and looks at the relationship of Adam (Devon Graye) and Everett (Derek Stusynski), two young men trapped in a world where everyone is telling them there is something wrong with them. It is with the help of a nurse (Mary Mackey) that they learn love is the answer. This is 'Eden'.

Have a great weekend!

Dark Monday • Ethel Merman & Mary Martin

In 1953, the Ford Motor Company celebrated the 50th anniversary of the company in a way no one had ever seen before. As neither NBC nor CBS reached all the households in the country, Ford purchased prime time on both to air 'The Ford 50th Anniversary Show" on June 15th. It was said to the first "Television Spectacular", with a star-studded list of guests. Among those appearing were two of the top Broadway stars, Mary Martin and Ethel Merman. The ladies commanded the television screen for over 13 minutes, singing a medley of great songs both from Broadway and from Pop music. Ethel started the fun with"There's No Business Like Show Business" from the Irving Berlin musical 'Annie Get Your Gun', which originally starred Merman. Then Mary stepped in with "I'm In Love With a Wonderful Guy" from South Pacific', the Broadway hit by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II that starred Mary Martin. Then it was back to Ethel with "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" with music by Gus Edwards and lyrics by Edward Madden. Mary came back with "Wait 'Till The Sun Shines, Nellie" with music by Harry Von Tilzer and lyrics by Andrew B. Sterling, followed by Ethel singing "Sheik of Araby" with music by Ted Snyder and lyrics by Harry B. Smith & Francis Wheeler. Both Mary and Ethel joined in on "When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along)" written by Harry M. Woods. Martin broke off with the classic "My Melancholy Baby" with music by Ernie Burnett and lyrics by George A. Norton. Ethel took her turn with "You Made Me Love You" with music by James V. Monaco and lyrics by Joseph McCarthy. Martin sang "Mississippi Mud" by Harry Barris & James Cavanaugh.

Then the pair decided to sing "I" songs, which included "I Cried for You", "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows", "I'm in the Mood For Love", "I Love a Parade", "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (If I Knew I'd Find You)", "I'm Sitting on Top of the World", "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'", "I Can't Give You Anything but Love", "I'll Get By", "You're Just in Love", and "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair".

As if that weren't enough, the ladies sang a couple of songs by the great Cole Porter, as Ethel sang "I Get A Kick Out of You". Mary added "I've Got You Under My Skin", and the flirty "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" by Cole Porter. Then Ethel added a classic of her own, with "I Got Rhythm" by George and Ira Gershwin.

In one of the nicest parts of a great duet, both ladies took on different songs at the same time, bringing it all together. The songs included "Indian Love Call" with music by Rudolf Friml and lyrics by Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II, "Tea For Two" with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Ceasar & Otto Harbach, "Stormy Weather" with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ted Koehler, and "Isn't It Romantic" with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart. In the end, they raised their voices together on a reprise of the great Irving Berlin song, "There's No Business Like Show Business".

In 1953, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin were Broadway royalty, having been performing since the 1930s. Martin was given the Tony Award for 'Best Actress in a Musical' in 1950 for playing Nellie Forbush in 'South Pacific', and Merman won her Tony in 1951 for playing Sally Adams in 'Call Me Madam'. These were only the fourth and fifth years the Tony Awards were given. With this performance, you can see why they earned their awards. Such gifted ladies.

Dark Monday • Too Darn Hot

In 1949, the very first Tony Awards were given, and the big winner that year was 'Kiss Me Kate', the great show with music by Cole Porter, was named Best Musical, as well as winning Best Author (Musical) for Samuel and Bella Spewack, and Best Original Score for Porter. The show was a look at the lives of an acting troupe performing in a musical production of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew', and the hijinks and drama that goes on. The original production was Porter's most successful and longest running musical. Fifty years later, the show was back on Broadway, and once again was a Tony favorite, being named Best Revival of a Musical, and saw Brian Stokes Mitchell winning Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, and Best Director for Michael Blakemore.In 2001, the revival opened on London's West End, also directed by Blakemore. This production was also taped and released for PBS, and later released to DVD. This is the long version of the hit song "Too Darn Hot", featuring Nolan Frederick and the West End cast.

You can purchase the DVD for the West End Revival of 'Kiss Me Kate' from Amazon. You can find the 2000 Broadway Revival Cast album on iTunes. You can also find the 1949 Original Broadway Cast Recording on iTunes.

Dark Monday • Cole Porter

On June 9, 1891, a baby boy was born in Peru, Indiana. The only child of a wealthy family, Cole Porter was expected to take a more traditional job, much like his father, a druggist, or his grandfather, J.O. Cole, for whom he was named. But Porter had started music lessons when he was quite young, at the insistence of his mother. Before long, Cole Porter knew he wanted to pursue a career in music, something that disappointed his father and grandfather. After completing high school, Porter left Peru, never to really return.

Porter went to a private school in Massachusetts, before going to Yale in 1909, where he had a very successful education. Not only did he major in English and minor in French, he also was a member of a fraternity, as well as being a contributor to 'The Yale Record'. Not surprising, he was also a member of the glee club, and became a member of the Whiffenpoofs, an a capella singing group quite well known. After graduating from Yale, he followed the direction of his grandfather, and enrolled in Harvard Law School. This did not last long, and soon he transferred to the School of Music, unbeknownst to his grandfather. It is said Dole had written over 300 songs while at Yale, and in 1915, he heard his first song on Broadway, as "Esmeralda" was featured in the revue 'Hands Up'. In 1917, Cole moved to Paris, France, and served in the French Foreign Legion. He also lived an excessive life, with big parties. Those parties included men that were known to be gay, bisexual, as well as some cross-dressers. It was also said there was plenty of alcohol and drugs available. Sounds like there were hot time in 'Gay Paree'!

While in Paris, Cole met Linda Lee Thomas, a beautiful and well-connected divorcée. They were married in 1919, and remained good companions until her death in 1954. It was said she understood Porter's sexuality, but the marriage offered both a stability and friendship that worked for both. Soon his music was being heard in Europe, and in the states as well. And while he was having success with his music, it wasn't until 1928 that Cole Porter had his first bona fide Broadway hit, the musical 'Paris'. The score of 'Paris' included a song that soon became a big hit as well, with singers lining up to sing it. But I think it is always fun to go back to the source, so here is Cole Porter singing "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love".

While 'Paris' was playing on Broadway, Porter had another show playing in London. 'Wake Up and Dream' was a musical review that had many songs from Porter, including the most popular song in the show, "What Is This Thing Called Love?". The song quickly became a favorite of Jazz performers, all eager to record this great song, one that managed to be sweet and flirty at the same time. This is Cole Porter's recording of "What Is This Thing Called Love?".

Porter wrote the score for what was to be Fred Astaire's final Broadway show, the 1932 hit 'Gay Divorcée'. It was also the his first show without his sister, Adele, who had retired from show business. But, most importantly, the show featured the song "Night and Day", one of Porter's most popular songs. While it has been recorded by many, it was the first recording by Astaire that went to #1. Astaire also starred in the film version released in 1934, costarring with Ginger Rogers. While Astaire's version is well known, I bring you Cole Porter singing the great "Night and Day".

Cole Porter wrote countless hits over the span of his career. As a tribute to the talents of the man, so many artists recorded complete albums of his songs, like Ella Fitzgerald, Mabel Mercer, Julie London, Anita O'Day, and John Barrowman. And there was also the 1990 album 'Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute To Cole Porter', a compilation of Pop artists of the time who recorded songs to raise money for HIV/AIDS charities. And those are just the albums in my personal collection! Porter passed away in 1964, at the age of 73. During the final 6 years of his life, medical issues, including the amputation of his leg, prevented him from writing any more music. Porter is buried with family in Peru, IN.

Gary Shearston • I Get A Kick Out Of You

The song "I Get A Kick Out of You" first appeared in the 1934 Broadway musical 'Anything Goes', where Ethel Merman introduced the Cole Porter song that was quickly confirmed as a classic. It was covered by many, including people who participated in revivals and movie versions of the show. In 1974, the song was given an acoustic treatment by Australian Folk singer Gary Shearston. He had a dry approach to the song, not offering the more common reading, using sly wit. Shearston's cover earned world-wide attention, with radio play from London to Melbourne to Los Angeles. Watch this clip of Shearston playing "I Get A Kick Out of You" on 'Tops of the Pops'.

Shearston continued to make music, but never achieved the same success. He spent time in London before moving to California for several years. In 1989, he left the music business, and went on to be a priest in the Anglican Church in Australia. It was said he would sometimes lead Folk services, playing his guitar as the congregation sang. Shearston passed away in July of this year, at the age of 74. You can purchase Gary Shearston's version of "I Get A Kick Out of You" on iTunes.

Dark Monday • Begin The Beguine

Poster for the Broadway musical and the MGM musical.

In 1935, a brand new musical with a book by Moss Hart and music and lyrics by Cole Porter. 'Jubilee' was greeted with outstanding reviews, and some still consider it the best show of the 1930s. However, opening on Broadway during the Great Depression made nothing a sure bet, and the show ran only 169 performances, less than 6 months. The show had a song introduced by June Knight that certainly had a great impact. "Begin The Beguine" is a beautiful and romantic song, talking about love unfolding. 'The Beguine' is a dance where the couple dances very close, and the song examines the time when the dance is just beginning, and you feel a chemistry that cannot be denied. The song was also used in 'Broadway Melody of 1940', used as an instrumental as Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell tap danced an amazing routine. Enjoy as Fred and Eleanor dance to "Begin The Beguine".

But I must remind you that the song definitely has lyrics, and they are beautiful. Truthfully, everything about the song is amazing, from lyrics to music. At the base of the song there is this wonderful hope, an inherent belief that something wonderful was about to happen. In 1939, the song was recorded by singer Tony Martin, and released by Decca Records. I think his vocals are just about perfect, and so I gladly will share them with you now.

You can purchase a recording of Cole Porter himself singing "Begin The Beguine" from iTunes and Amazon. You can also purchase a version by Tony Martin on both iTunes and Amazon. Either are wonderful, a fantastic addiction to any collection.

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!

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.

John Barrowman • You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

I thought I would bring a treat today, and that would be the always delicious John Barrowman. While I do miss him playing Captain Jack Harkness on either 'Torchwood' and/or 'Doctor Who,' I am grateful to have him on my screen in 'Arrow' on The CW. I would also kill to get the chance to see him performing live, but that doesn't seem in the cards at the moment. But until I get the chance, I have all his albums, including the incredible 'John Barrowman Swings Cole Porter'. The album is just sensational, including "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", a favorite of mine.

You can purchase Barrowman swings Cole Porter from iTunes and Amazon.

A Little Cole In Stockings

Clockwise: Judy Carland; Della Reese; Patti LuPone; and Betty Carter.

In this tribute to the great Cole Porter, I put together a group of ladies I think have style and substance that makes people stand up and listen. After all, to sing Porter's songs, you need a little something extra, or your song will never be heard over the din of a bunch of others singing some of the greatest songs written in the 20th Century. So, yes, these ladies hitch up their stockings on their way to the microphone, and sing for all they are worth. And that is a lot! I will begin with one of the all-time great voices, Judy Garland. Judy could pack so much punch into her voice, so much pain and anguish it felt like a punch to the stomach. Cole Porter wrote "From This Moment On" for the 1951 Broadway show 'Out Of This World'. Unfortunately, the song was cut while still in previews, but it resurfaced in another of Porter's shows. In 1953, the movie version of 'Kiss Me Kate' was released, and it included the song, which was not in the Broadway score for the 1948 opening. After all that, "From This Moment On" has become a classic, sung by some of the greats, like Judy.

The next song was so scandalous when it was written, you almost had to know it became a great Jazz classic. "Love For Sale" was written for the 1930 Broadway musical, 'The New Yorkers'. Sung by a prostitute outside a restaurant 'advertising' her wares, it was originally sung by Kathryn Crawford, with three girlfriends as back-up singers, in front of Reuben's, a popular New York restaurant. When the criticism of this started to mound, the production made the decision to have the song sung by Elisabeth Welch, who sang with back-up singers in a scene set in front of Harlem's Cotton Club. Of course, Crawford was white, and Welch African American. Sadly, this was thought to be an acceptable compromise by all. That said, the song is a great one, and here you can listen as it is sung by the great Della Reese.

When the musical 'Anything Goes' opened on Broadway in 1936, few could have foreseen the success of the score, much of which has entered in to the Great American Songbook, and sung by some of the greatest Pop and Jazz singers of the last century. That would include a little ditty originally given voice by the bold and brassy Ethel Merman on Broadway. "I Get A Kick Out Of You" quickly was recorded by many, and that continued to be the case. It doesn't hurt that there have been Broadway versions, film versions, television special versions, revival versions and West End versions. In one of those, the stellar Patti LuPone took on the role of Reno Sweeney in 1987, earning the Tony Award for Best Actress In A Musical. Here Patti sings the beautiful "I Get A Kick Out Of You".

There is a beauty in the haunting quality to Porter's "Ev'ry Time You Say Goodbye", a classic that debuted in a 1944 musical review put on by Fanny Brice's second husband, Billy Rose. However, the song seemed irresistible to the singers since, whether they were men or women. Where there are beautiful versions by Annie Lennox and Ella Fitzgerald, among others, I chose the stunning one by Jazz great Betty Carter. Carter was known for her nimble vocal technique, and was considered by many to be the best Jazz singer ever. Listen to her singing "Ev'ry Time You Say Goodbye" and you will understand why they said that.

Hope you are having a fantastic Saturday night!

Saturday Night with Blossom Dearie

For those of you who might not know who the amazing Blossom Dearie is, I will start off my saying she is not related to Mayim Bialik or her sitcom character 'Blossom'. Margrete Blossom Dearie was born in 1924, in the town of East Durham, New York. As a child, she studied Classical piano, and later took on Jazz as well. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She played in several groups, but in 1952, she relocated to Paris. By the end of the decade, she moved back to New York City, recording albums and playing in supper clubs. As she built a reputation in the clubs, she also occasionally appeared on a new television program, The Today Show. Then host Dave Garroway was a fan, and it really helped her career. During the later half of the 1960s, she was playing in clubs in the US and in the UK, gaining both popular and critical praise wherever she went. She continued to play for several decades, in clubs, theaters and Jazz festivals.



Now let's get to the real point, her music. I will start with a favorite of mine, and countless others as well. This first song is "Peel Me A Grape", written by Jazz pianist Dave Frishberg, and performed to perfection by Dearie. The song offers a sexy humor that is too much fun. Check out this performance by Dearie from 1999, when she was 74 years old.



Next we will get the chance to hear Blossom sing a great song written in 1932 by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, with lyrics added later by Mitchell Parish. "Sophisticated Lady" is a jazz standard, but no one performs it quite like Dearie.



"I Wish You Love" is a French popular song, with music by Léo Chauliac & Charles Trenet and lyrics by Trenet. Trenet first recorded it in 1942. In the 1950s, Albert A. Beach wrote an English translation, and quickly became an American standard. Enjoy as Blossom gives her own special reading of the song.



In 1927, Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote the musical, A Connecticut Yankee. It was the musical take on Mark Twain's popular novel, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Several of the songs were sung by the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan, and became Jazz standards. "Thou Swell" was perhaps the most popular of them, and was given this delightful reading by Dearie.



Finally, I wanted to add in one more very special song, by the amazing Cole Porter. "Give Him the Ooh-la-la" was written for the 1939 musical DuBarry Was A Lady. The original Broadway cast included Bert (Cowardly Lion) Lahr, Ethel Merman, Betty Grable, and Gypsy Rose Lee. It was Merman who introduced the song. I have to believe Blossom's take on the song was very different than that.



Blossom Dearie passed away in 2009 in New York City, at the age of 84. But she left a wonderful legacy of music that will be enjoyed forever. You can purchase Verve Jazz Masters 51: Blossom Dearie at iTunes and Amazon.

Happy Father's Day

Mary Martin sings Cole Porter's My Heart Belongs To Daddy from the 1946 movie Night And Day.



And for anyone who may want a more recent distraction, here is Marshall Titus doing his very special cover of George Michael's "Father Figure".



Hmmmmm. Happy Father's Day, Daddy...

Dark Monday - Red Hot + Blue 5

Twenty years ago, the album Red Hot + Blue was released. It featured the music of American musical theater legend Cole Porter and some of the top acts of the day, all to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. The album contained 20 cuts, and I found 17 videos for those cuts, and for the next several weeks, will be running them in this Monday night spot. This is the final installment of those videos. The album was thought of as a fundraising tool, it also allowed the artists involved great freedom with their interpretation of Porter's music, making for a wide variety of styles on the album. We shall go through the album in the order that is on my CD, which I did purchase at the time.

Singer Lisa Stansfield had used her own love of jazz and pop music to create a career with some hits, and also to join in the making of this great album. She sang Porter's Down In The Depths, written in 1936 for the Broadway musical Red, Hot And Blue, originally sung by the legendary Ethel Merman.



After topping the charts with the band Chic, Jody Watley went on to solo stardom with her own blend of Pop and Dance music. But for After You, Who?, she took a more classic approach, with a beautiful result. The song was written for the 1932 musical The Gay Divorcee, and sung by the incomparable Fred Astaire.



Jimmy Somerville topped the charts with the Bronski Beat and the Communards, and had a rather nice solo career as well. The out singer had no problem tackling Porter's From This Moment On. The song was originally heard in the MGM musical Kiss Me Kate, a classic Pop song. But Jimmy gave it a dance beat and made it his own, with his voice scaling the heights as only he could.



The Scottish New Wave band Aztec Camera had relatively little success in the US, that was not the case in the UK. They took part of the album, and ended up singing the final cut, Do I Love You?. The song was originally written for the musical DuBarry Was a Lady, where it was introduced by Ronald Graham and Ethel Merman. Aztec Camera too their own approach, and it became a wonderful closing number.



That is the end of the line for this series. I hope you enjoyed it.

Dark Monday - Red Hot + Blue 4

Twenty years ago, the album Red Hot + Blue was released. It featured the music of American musical theater legend Cole Porter and some of the top acts of the day, all to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. The album contained 20 cuts, and I found 17 videos for those cuts, and for the next several weeks, will be running them in this Monday night spot. The album was thought of as a fundraising tool, it also allowed the artists involved great freedom with their interpretation of Porter's music, making for a wide variety of styles on the album. We shall go through the album in the order that is on my CD, which I did purchase at the time.



Porter was an amazing talent, and some consider him one of the best LGBT songwriters, if not THE best. He started his Broadway career in 1915, when one of his songs appeared in a Broadway Revue. He was just 24 years old. He went on to write songs for the theater like Lets Do It, Let's Fall In Love, What Is This Thing Called Love, and Anything Goes.Despite having a whife of 35 years, most believed him to be gay, and the marriage one between two dear friends who gave one another space and freedom, while gaining both wider acceptance in the greater world at large.

When it comes to incredible voices, it is hard to top kd lang. The Canadian singer has a rock-solid sound, with an emotive quality that is amazing. She takes on Porter's So In Love, and puts in what could be the best performance in the collection.



When it comes to poppy and flirty, it is hard to compete with Erasure. Andy Bell's vocals are at once coy and kittenish, almost coo-ing the lyrics of Too Darned Hot. And Vince Clarke's accompaniment is just perfect.



The Jungle Brothers work the heck outta I Get A Kick, delivering a very urban version of the song. While it carries very little of Porter's song, it is still a wonderful homage to the songwriter.

Dark Monday - Red Hot + Blue 3

Once again, I am featuring an album I love from about twenty years ago, Red Hot + Blue. It featured the music of American musical theater legend Cole Porter and some of the top acts of the day, all to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. The album contained 20 cuts, and I found 17 videos for those cuts, and for the next several weeks, will be running them in this Monday night spot. The album was thought of as a fundraising tool, it also allowed the artists involved great freedom with their interpretation of Porter's music, making for a wide variety of styles on the album. We shall go through the album in the order that is on my CD, which I did purchase at the time.



Porter was an amazing talent, and some consider him one of the best LGBT songwriters, if not THE best. He started his Broadway career in 1915, when one of his songs appeared in a Broadway Revue. He was just 24 years old. He went on to write songs for the theater like Lets Do It, Let's Fall In Love, What Is This Thing Called Love, and Anything Goes.Despite having a whife of 35 years, most believed him to be gay, and the marriage one between two dear friends who gave one another space and freedom, while gaining both wider acceptance in the greater world at large.

Annie Lennox has a voice so expressive, so amazing, there seems to be to be little that I can say, other than to crank up the volume and give a listen to her version of Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye.



U2 were the superband of the 80s, and continue to be a force in music today. Bono & the boys were also known to take a stand, and voice their thoughts on politics and raise money for good causes. But with Night + Day, they proved to have the music under control, and record an amazing cover.



I know little about Les Negresses Vertes, but their cover of I Love Paris proved to be quite interesting, and very good. Give it a listen, and I think you will agree with me.

Dark Monday - Red Hot + Blue 2

Twenty years ago, the album Red Hot + Blue was released. It featured the music of American musical theater legend Cole Porter and some of the top acts of the day, all to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. The album contained 20 cuts, and I found 17 videos for those cuts, and for the next several weeks, will be running them in this Monday night spot. The album was a fundraising tool, it also allowed the artists involved great freedom with their interpretation of Porter's music, making for a wide variety of styles on the album. We shall go through the album in the order that is on my CD, which I did purchase at the time.



Porter was an amazing talent, and some consider him one of the best LGBT songwriters, if not THE best. He started his Broadway career in 1915, when one of his songs appeared in a Broadway Revue. He was just 24 years old. He went on to write songs for the theater like Lets Do It, Let's Fall In Love, What Is This Thing Called Love, and Anything Goes.Despite having a wife of 35 years, most believed him to be gay, and the marriage one between two dear friends who gave one another space and freedom, while gaining both wider acceptance in the greater world at large.

Brilliant solo artist Kirsty MacColl was a bit of a darling for the critics and many late 80s bands, making duets with several. This includes The Pogues, who combined traditional Irish music with Punk and New Wave sensibilities. One this collection, they contributed a compilation of two songs, Miss Otis Regrets and Just One Of Those Things. Miss Otis debuted in 1934 for the musical Hey Diddle Diddle. Just One Of Those Things debuted in 1935, part of the musical Jubilee. In the 50s, the song was featured in two separate movie musicals, sung by Doris Day.



While he might be most well known for his part of the monumental Talking Heads, Scotsman David Byrne was often busy making music of his own during the life of the band, 1974-1991. He used his interesting rhythms and percussion arrangements for the song Don't Fence Me In, originally written in 1934 fro a musical that was never released. In 1944, the song was sung by Roy Rogers in the movie Hollywood Canteen, and became tied to him throughout his career. This was fine with Porter, who was never particularly fond of the song.



Gravelly-voiced Tom Waits also contributed to the collection. For those who don't know Waits, for much of the 70s and 80s, he was the darling of the independent scene, utilizing Jazz, Blues and 'Tin Pan Alley' music and sounds to bring his own edge to rock music. I will admit to having several of his albums in my collection - his versions of Somewhere (from West Side Story), Romeo Is Bleeding and Waltzing Matilda are hard to equal. Here, he does a rather amazing cover of It's Alright With Me, a song written in 1953 for the Broadway musical Can-Can.



Look for more next Monday!

Dark Monday - Red Hot + Blue

Twenty years ago, the album Red Hot + Blue was released. It featured the music of American musical theater legend Cole Porter and some of the top acts of the day, all to raise money and awareness for AIDS research. The album contained 20 cuts, and I found 17 videos for those cuts, and for the next several weeks, will be running them in this Monday night spot. The album was thought of as a fundraising tool, it also allowed the artists involved great freedom with their interpretation of Porter's music, making for a wide variety of styles on the album. We shall go through the album in the order that is on my CD, which I did purchase at the time.



Porter was an amazing talent, and some consider him one of the best LGBT songwriters, if not THE best. He started his Broadway career in 1915, when one of his songs appeared in a Broadway Revue. He was just 24 years old. He went on to write songs for the theater like Lets Do It, Let's Fall In Love, What Is This Thing Called Love, and Anything Goes. Despite having a whife of 35 years, most believed him to be gay, and the marriage one between two dear friends who gave one another space and freedom, while gaining both wider acceptance in the greater world at large.

I've Got You Under My Skin was written in 1936 for the MGM musical Born To Dance. Frank Sinatra had a hit with his version, as did the Four Seasons, better known today from Broadway's Jersey Boys. On the album, it was performed by the incredible Nenah Cherry, who retitled it Under My Skin. I loved her take on it, which was very new and fresh [at the time], and oh-so-appropriate for the song.



In The Still Of The Night was written for another MGM musical, this one named Rosalie. Originally published in 1937, the song was covered by countless artists, but the most well-known would be the Doo-Wop group Dion & the Belmonts. On the album, it was covered by The Neville Brothers, featuring the incredible voice of Aaron Neville.



You Do Something To Me was written in 1929 for the show Fifty Million Frenchmen, although more people know it from the cover versions. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald had sung the song, and on this album, it was the Irish singer Sinead O'Connor who did the duties, and her version is pretty amazing!



The next track was Begin The Beguine, covered by Salif Keita. While a video was made, I was unable to find it. The song was written in 1935, and appeared in the Broadway show Jubilee. Keita is an Afro-Pop singer/songwriter from Mali, and definitely put his own spin on the song. Love For Sale followed, a song that first appeared on the Broadway stage in 1930 in a show called The New Yorkers. It was covered by Billie Holiday in 1945, and Harvey Fierstein in the movie version of Torch Song Trilogy. Here it was covered by Fine Young Cannibals with a rather sultry version. Unfortunately, this is one of two songs that did not have a video.

Written in 1939 for the musical Du Barry Was A Lady and sung by pin-up girl Betty Grable, and later added to the 1956 film High Society, sung by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, Well, Have You Evah was classic Porter. On the album, it is performed to perfection by Debbie Harry & Iggy Pop.



Hope you enjoyed this, and I look forward to bringing you more in the coming weeks!