These Foolish Things was written in 1935 by an English songwriting team: Jack Strachey and Holt Marvell. Marvell’s marvelous moniker is a pen name. His real name was more prosaic, Eric Mashchwitz.  He was married to the noted actress Hermione Gingold. I mention that because it’s one of my favorite names. It wasn’t a stage name either.

We begin with Lady Day who recorded one of the earliest versions with Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra.

Nat King Cole and Billy May were a singer-arranger combination made in musical heaven.

Dinah Washington. Say no more.

Bryan Ferry introduced me to These Foolish Things by making it the title track of his first solo album. It’s still my favorite interpretation of this venerable song.

Finally, my former 13th Ward homey Aaron Neville cut a gorgeous version of this week’s song in 1993.

What’s a Friday Cocktail Hour without jazz instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Sidney Bechet, Art Pepper, and Oscar Peterson & Count Basie.

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson? That goes for Bill Basie as well.

That’s it for this week. Let’s raise a glass to people with great names; real and fictional. Cheers to Holt Marvell and Hermione Gingold. It’s what Bogie, Betty, and Frank would want. Never argue with them.