The snow is slowly dissipating in New Orleans. I’m still a bit shaky on my feet after last year’s falls, so I’m staying put until there’s no ice on our front stairs. Hence this week’s song selection.

Duke Ellington wrote this week’s tune in 1940. It began life as an instrumental entitled Never No Lament. In 1942, Bob Russell wrote the lyrics that transformed that song into the immortal classic, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

We begin with the composer and his orchestra:

The Ink Spots cut one of the earliest versions of Don’t Get Around Much Anymore in 1942:

Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington. Say no more.

Nat King Cole recorded my favorite version of the Ellington-Russell classic. I dig the bold and brassy arrangement by the great Billy May:

Ella and Duke. Need I add last names? I thought not.

Speaking of artists who need no introduction:

Duke Elegant is one of my favorite Dr. John albums. Here’s Our Mac’s interpretation of the Ellington-Russell classic:

I’d never heard Chicago’s version of this week’s tune. It’s pretty darn good with a swell lead vocal by my Bay Area homey, Bill Champlin.

Finally, the artist known as Cookie to her family:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time. Sonny Stitt, Stephane Grappelli, and Oscar Peterson.

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

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to warmer weather in New Orleans. It’s what Duke, Louis, and Diahann Carroll would want. Never argue with them.