Frank Loesser was one of the bright lights of the Broadway musical stage in the 1950s and ’60’s. But What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? was a stand-alone song written in 1947. It’s often included as a closing number on Christmas albums. We’re closing out the Friday Cocktail Hour year with it.

We begin with the Christmas Song man himself, the great Mel Tormé:

Ella Fitzgerald’s holiday music was something of a landmark as was the singer herself.

A bluesy version of the Loesser classic by Lou Rawls.

Dig those plaid pants on one of the Pips. The real pip was Gladys herself.

Patti LaBelle recorded this week’s tune several times. This one is from 1990.

A 21st Century rendition by the Divine Diana Krall.

Finally, the Bing Crosby of rock and roll and his orchestra:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Ramsey Lewis and King Curtis.

That’s it for this week. A final toast to 2022. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.