Satin Doll began life as an instrumental. It was written in 1953 by Duke Ellington and Bill Strayhorn. It was a hit and Johnny Mercer subsequently added lyrics. The Man from Savannah was everywhere.

We begin with the Duke Ellington Orchestra 1953 original followed by a 1962 live version captured on film:

Ella Fitzgerald recorded the first version with the Mercerized lyrics:

She later recorded it with the Duke himself:

Nina Simone cut an instrumental version in 1962:

The first version of Satin Doll I remember hearing was by Nancy Wilson:

Here’s a swinging interpretation by Stephane Grappelli and David Grisman:

Mac Rebenack. Say no more.

Finally, I associate Satin Doll as much with Oscar Peterson as with the Duke. Here’s a 1969 live performance:

Have I mentioned recently how much I love Oscar Peterson?

That’s it for this week. Pull out the cocktail shaker and mix yourself a stiff one. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.