It’s been a tough week in First Draft land. That’s why we’re working blue this week. Make that blues.

I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues was written in 1932 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the Broadway revue, The Earl Carroll Vanities. Arlen once called it Jewish blues. I call it sublime.

The first recorded version of this week’s song was by Cab Calloway:

Louis Armstrong boarded the Arlen-Koehler blues train early as well.

Speaking of the Jewish blues, here’s Benny with Jack Teagarden on vocals:

Here’s a swell version by the swellegant Lena Horne.

Billy Eckstein. In a word: elegant.

Keely Smith may be best known as Louis Prima’s wife and sidekick, but she was also a helluva singer:

Finally, Maria Muldaur with a 21st Century take on the Arlen-Koehler classic.

What would a Friday Cocktail Hour be without jazz instrumental versions of the week’s song? This time, Oscar Peterson, and NOLA’s own Evan Christopher.

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

That’s it for this week. Pour yourself a belt and toast Harold Arlen for all the great music. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them