This week, one of the best loved tunes in the great American songbook. Cheek To Cheek was written by Irving Berlin in 1935 for the Astaire-Rogers movie, Top Hat.

This week’s artists could be called a hit parade of usual suspects. I guess that’s a mixed metaphor, but what’s a mixed metaphor among friends?

We begin with Fred Astaire and Oscar Peterson:

I get a kick out of people arguing about what the first concept album was. Frank Sinatra was at it in the 1950’s. This swinging version of Cheek To Cheek comes from his 1959 concept album Come Dance With Me,

Ella and Louis with Oscar Peterson on piano:

Peggy Lee with another swinging version with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra.

Finally, Billy  Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan from their Irving Berlin LP:

What’s a Friday Cocktail Hour without a jazz Instrumental version of the week’s song? This time, the Taylor-Grisman Jazz Quartet followed by the ubiquitous Oscar Peterson.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to Irving Berlin for all the great music he bequeathed to the world. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.