I had other plans for this space until I wrote my Stupid Fell On Alabama post. It would be stupid not to follow up on that.

Stars Fell On Alabama was written in 1934 by Frank Perkins and Mitchell Parrish. It was inspired by a spectacular meteor shower 100 years earlier.

My favorite version of Stars Fell On Alabama comes from Frank Sinatra’s A Swingin’ Affair album. I posted it on Wednesday, so we begin with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong with my main man Oscar Peterson on piano:

Next up, another small group arrangement featuring Friday Cocktail Hour regular Billie Holiday.

We move from Lady Day to Doris Day with Paul Weston’s big band:

Mel Tormé  loved medleys. Here’s a starry one that kicks off with a Jack Lawrence song before moving to Bama.

Finally, a rootsy 21st Century interpretation from Tara Nevins.

What would a Friday Cocktail Hour be without a Jazz instrumental version of the week’s tune? This time, Cannonball Adderley with John Coltrane followed by a trip to outer space with Sun Ra.

That’s it for his week. Pour yourself a drink and toast the advent of Juneteenth as a national holiday. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.