No, it’s not Album Cover Art Wednesday. The Sinatra album cover had a big ole space that made it perfect for meming. If you don’t like it, blame Auntie Meme, not me.
Come Fly With Me was written in 1957 for Sinatra by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Frank introduced Cahn to Van Heusen and was close to the songwriting team. That’s why the Van Heusen-Cahn songs recorded by Francis Albert can be seen as windows into his soul. Ring-a-ding-ding as the man himself would have said.
We begin with a double dose of the Chairman of the Board. First, with the Billy May Orchestra followed by a live version with the Red Norvo Quintet.
Shirley Horn nailed it in this 1989 version.
Canadian singer Holly Cole does her thing with the Van Heusen-Cahn classic.
Country singer and Food Network star Trisha Yearwood with a 21st Century version.
Finally, some hipster neo-swing from Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Daddy-O.
What would a Friday Cocktail Hour be without a jazz instrumental version of the week’s song? This time, Count Basie followed by pianist Monty Alexander.
That’s it for this week. I’d like to propose a toast to Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Thanks for all the great music and words. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.
I used to do a large stag party for a bunch of pilots every summer back when I was a young & beautiful dancer & Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” was my opening number. They all loved it.