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.

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.

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!

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!