It’s been a rough week for everyone, so I decided to kick off the first Friday Cocktail Hour of the year with a song of hope and redemption.

I’m Beginning To See The Light was composed in 1943 by a jazz all-star team: Duke Ellington, Johnny Hodges, and Harry James. The lyrics are by Don George.

We begin with Duke and Louis. No last names necessary.

Ditto with Duke and Ella:

The ghost of Jilly Rizzo told me that Sinatra doesn’t like being placed after the jump. Never argue with Francis Albert’s ghostly sidekick.

Billy Eckstein recorded I’m Beginning To See The Light three times. This one with Billy May.

Diane is a Schuur thing with a small group.

What’s a Friday Cocktail Hour without a jazz instrumental version of the week’s song? This time, a double dose of trumpeter Clark Terry. First as a leader then with Benny Carter.

That’s it for the first week of the year. Raise your glass and toast Duke Ellington. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.