Tag Archives: Ella Fitzgerald

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 13

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

As much as I adore today’s artist & her take on this song, the first thought I have when I hear this song is of Will Ferrell as Buddy in “Elf”. And that makes me think of The Code Of The Elves:

1.  Treat every day like Christmas.
2.  There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.  
3.  The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.  

On other days, I think of the four main food groups elves stick to:

1.  Candy.
2.  Candy canes.   
3.  Candy corn.
4.  Syrup.   

Buddy The Elf (Will Ferrell) sleeping in Gimbel’s store window while his dad Walter (James Caan) looks on in disbelief. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald circa 1948. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: December 30, 2024

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Blog image for 2024

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We are on the verge of a new year, one that sounds like it is from a sci-fi series. Yesterday we were celebrating the new millennial and in a few days we will officially be 25 years in. I know time flies, but this last quarter century went by tragically fast. I believe those two words together form the most accurate and the most heartbreaking definition of life out there.

2025

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Still, a new year is a chance for new starts, new beginnings and new chances. And more music which remains the constant in my life. So thank you all for being here and sharing my love of it every week. I truly appreciate it. I wish you all the best in the new year. May it bring you everything you want and need. And right now, who does not need a little Lady Ella to get us all in a festive mood?

Ella_Fitzgerald@2x

Ella Fitzgerald circa 1940. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” (1960, written by Frank Loesser).

Stay safe & well.

Music Monday: October 28, 2024

Posted in Holidays, Music Monday by

Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

1940s Halloween

Halloween display circa 1940’s-1950’s at a Five & Dime store. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Spooky season is upon us, so in that spirit (get it?), I made myself a small Halloween-esque playlist countdown perfect to listen to while I carve my jack-o-lantern:

5. Boz Scaggs: “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” (2003, written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers).

So many great versions of this show tune, most recently by Rufus Wainwright for “The History Boys” soundtrack (2006), but I have adored Boz’s voice forever so his cover has my heart.

4. Annie Lenox: “I Put A Spell On You” (2014, written by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins).

Yes, I love Bette Midler’s version from “Hocus Pocus” and Nina Simone’s jazzy cover of this song, but Lennox gives it soul which is always at the top of my list.

3. Donovan: “Season Of The Witch” (1966, written by Donovan and Shawn Phillips).

I am woefully late to this party (this song is from 1966!). I discovered it on an episode of “House” (S3 E11) and could not believe the song I was enjoying was by the folk singer who sang “Jennifer Juniper”. Wonders truly never cease.

Witch circa 1940s

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

2. Ella Fitzgerald: “Witchcraft” (2007 (recorded circa 1960), written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh).

It is by Lady Ella. Enough said.

1. Bobby “Boris” Pickett: “Monster Mash” (1962, written by Leonard Capizzi and Bobby Pickett).

Because the kid in me would not have it any other way.

Have a happy Halloween, everyone!

Womans World 1912 pumpkin cover

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 18

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 18

A lovely vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Ronettes released today’s song in 1963, so it is another holiday classic turning 60 years old. This track is from the album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, which featured a collection of his artists performing seasonal songs. One of Darlene Love’s contributions from it was shared on Day 13 (she recorded a total of four for the album) which is my favorite from the record, but the Ronettes’ tune is right behind it. Ronnie Spector’s voice is so unique and strong, and when combined with her group members the result is magical.

For some history and variety, I am also sharing the original track by one of the composers along with another of my favorite versions by The Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald. It is unbelievably wonderful, festive and adds a flair of sophistication to the season. But when doesn’t Lady Ella make things that much better? 

“Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We’re snuggled up together like two
Birds of a feather would be“.

Ronettes
Leroy
ella-fitzgerald-albums

Top: The Ronettes in 1963. Middle: Composer Leroy Anderson. Bottom: The beautiful Lady Ella. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Ronettes: “Sleigh Ride” (1963, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

Leroy Anderson: “Sleigh Ride” (1950, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 7

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog Day 7

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s track celebrates the reason for the season. It is very special to me because it takes me back to one of my fondest childhood memories-standing next to my mother and holding her hand while we sang this together in church. And a singer like The First Lady Of Song makes her version a wonderful memory for anyone.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald pictured sometime in the 1940’s. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “O Come All Ye Faithful” (1967, written by Frederick Oakeley and John Francis Wade).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: October 30, 2023

Posted in Holidays, Music, Music Monday by

Hi, everyone. Welcome to the Halloween triple play edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Before we get to the music, I want to take a minute to share how truly brokenhearted I am over the loss of actor Matthew Perry. “Friends” is part of my DNA and his portrayal of Chandler Bing is a huge part of that. To lose such a beautiful person so unexpectedly at such a young age is an absolute shame, not to mention truly crushing. It is just too sad for words but I am forever grateful for the legacy he left behind.

Matthew Perry
Friends-696x443

Top: Matthew Perry circa 2004. Bottom: The cast of “Friends” circa 2004 (L-R): David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Perry, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

On a much lighter note, happy Halloween, everyone. I have three songs to help you celebrate this special day.

The first is a his and her version from two of the best voices we have ever been privileged to hear. Hers belongs to the great Ella Fitzgerald. Her jazz infused take gives me “The Great Pumpkin” vibes as it reminds me so much of the soundtrack created by Vince Guaraldi for those fabulous and iconic Peanuts specials. His is by the Chairman Of The Board, Francis Albert Sinatra. You cannot go wrong with either and they both add a touch of elegance and style to what is traditionally known as a children’s holiday.

The second feature is a staple for kids of all ages this time of year, whether you embrace the spooky side to the holiday or not. It is just campy light-hearted fun. And it is part of the soundtrack of my life thanks to my mother who introduced it to me when I was a child.

The third song of the day is a surprise to me as I was never a fan of the artist. Donovan was primarily known as a folk singer and later embraced a psychedelic sound, neither of which were genres I related to. But much to my surprise, I heard his spooky track on an episode of “House” (S3 E11) and could not believe the song I was enjoying was by the same man who sang “Jennifer Juniper”. I also never knew his daughter is actress Ione Skye from one of my favorite movies, “Say Anything”.

Enjoy the last day of October, everyone.

Peanuts Halloween

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Frank Sinatra: “Witchcraft” (1957, written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh).

Ella Fitzgerald: “Witchcraft” (2007 (recorded circa 1960), written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh).

Bobby “Boris” Pickett: “Monster Mash” (1962, written by Leonard Capizzi and Bobby Pickett).

Donovan: “Season Of The Witch” (1966, written by Donovan and Shawn Phillips).

Stay safe and well.

Music Monday: July 24, 2023

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to another triple play edition of Music Monday.

Bruce quote 2023

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Last Friday we lost the man arguably considered to be the greatest crooner who ever was. And yes, even the Chairman Of The Board-Frank Sinatra-called Tony Bennett “the best singer in the business”. Anthony Dominick Benedetto died July 21, 2023 at the age of 96. A native New Yorker born in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, Bennett was probably the greatest champion for the Great American Songbook and many of the most iconic jazz tunes in history. He sang & recorded with everyone from Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, Paul McCartney, Elton John, James Taylor, Diana Krall, k.d. lang, Bono and countless others. Bennett’s death closes out one of the longest, most prolific, most important & most beautiful chapters of American music we will ever see again. Thank you, Tony, for every single note.

Tony

Tony Bennett circa 1950. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The woman Bennett considered the greatest singer he ever heard held her last U.S. concert 55 years ago on July 20, 1968. Judy Garland headlined the show, held at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which also featured Count Basie and Jackie Wilson. She performed about 20 songs, leaving everyone in attendance clamoring for more.

Judy

Judy Garland circa 1947. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

This month also marks the 75th birthday for Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948 in London, England, he began his professional musical career in 1967 with the release of his debut album, Matthew and Son. Aside from a 17 year respite between 1978 and 1995 while he devoted himself to religion and his family, Islam’s career spans over five decades. He remains one of the most beloved and inspirational artists of the 1970’s.

Yusuf Cat Stevens HOF

Yusuf Islam in 2014 at his Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Brooklyn, NY (picture by me).

Tony Bennett: “When Will The Bells Ring For Me” (1990, written by Charles DeForest).

Judy Garland: “Over The Rainbow” (1939, written by Harold Arlen and Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg).

Yusuf Islam f/k/a Cat Stevens: “Trouble” (1970, written by Cat Stevens n/k/a Yusuf Islam).

Stay safe and well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 16

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 16A 2022

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Original source unknown.)

That moment when one of my all time favorite Christmas songs popped up in a new & incredibly charming (not to mention completely hilarious) holiday movie: 2003’s “Elf”. As James Caan was walking down a street in NYC, he saw Will Ferrell’s Buddy The Elf character asleep in a department store window. Too funny. All underscored by The First Lady Of Song, 43 years after she recorded the tune for her 1960 album, “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas“. That is what we call timeless.

“We’re gliding along with a song
Of a wintery fairyland
Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy-cozy are we“.

Lady Ella herself circa 1950. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Music Monday: April 25, 2022

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Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

Music Monday

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today marks the 105th birth anniversary for The First Lady Of Song. Ella Fitzgerald was born April 25, 1917 in Newport News, VA. By 1934 she appeared at The Apollo Theatre for Amateur Night. Two years later she was in the studio to record her first song. And for the rest of history, she will be regarded as one of the greatest female singers of all time. Today’s track is my absolute favorite by her, not to mention my most beloved Gershwin tune.

“Although he may not be the man
Some girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key“.

Ella 1

Lady Ella Fitzgerald circa 1950. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Someone To Watch Over Me” (1959, written by George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin).

Stay safe & well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 7

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

sleigh

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Any holiday tune from The First Lady Of Song is fabulous without question. But today’s is my favorite.

“We’re snuggled up together
Like two birds of a feather would be
Let’s take that road before us
And sing a chorus or two“.

ella

Ella Fitzgerald circa 1945. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!