The Great Valentine's Songbook
American Standards wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day! Here are selections from the Great American Songbook that are just right for this week. Listen anytime at wnyc.org/songbook and check back soon for songs to help with the other side of love...
5. Chet Baker - My Funny ValentineÂ
Is it on the nose? Yes, but as Rodgers and Hart's hopelessly romantic number in a minor-key declares: "each day is Valentine's day."
4. Mel Torme - Isn't It Romantic?Â
Why yes, yes it is, thanks for asking. And no, we're not talking about the new romantic comedy starring Rebel Wilson and Liam Hemsworth, but another gorgeous Rodgers and Hart song. When the mood is right, it's always romantic.
3. Ella Fitzgerald - "I Hadn't Anyone Till You" In this song, Noble credits love to the holiday's mascot, Cupid. Ella performs this swooning version on her 1960 recording Ella Fitzgerald Sings Songs from Let No Man Write My Epitaph.
All you need is love & American Standards!
2. Tony Bennett - The Very Thought Of YouÂ
Written by British import Ray Noble, the song from 1934 is now a Tony Bennett standard, and one of the greatest romantic tunes of the Great American Songbook. Here's Mr. Bennett in bilingual duet with Brazilian star Ana Carolina.
1. Queen Latifah - I Want A Little Sugar In My BowlÂ
Nina Simone did a number on this Bessie Smith number. And Queen Latifah lets the sweetness sing, down in the soul. I ain't foolin. This song will surely help steam up your Valentine's.
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