My love of torch songs and film noir converge this week. The song Blue Gardenia was introduced by Nat King Cole in the 1953 movie of that title. It’s a Fritz Lang film with a helluva cast including Anne Baxter, Richard Conte, Ann Southern, Raymond Burr, George Reeves, and Nat King Cole.

The song was written for the movie by Lester Lee and Bob Russell. It’s a much loved and oft performed torch song.

We begin with the original version as recorded by the unforgettable Nat King Cole and the incomparable Nelson Riddle:

Blue Gardenia became something of a signature song for the great Dinah Washington:

Here’s an uptempo big band version from Tito Puente and Woody Herman:

Pour yourself a drink and toast the end of the week. Cheers from Richard Conte, Nat King Cole, and Anne Baxter: