This feature began life as a spin-off from Songs Of The Pandemic. It focused on standards in its early days, but we’ve moved on to pop, rock, and soul classics. The Friday Cocktail Hour returns to its roots this week.

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote Blues In The Night for the 1941 movie of the same name. The featured image comes from that film.

My mama done tole me that this week’s edition will feature FCH regulars playing the Arlen-Mercer classic.

We begin with a scintillating soundie starring Cab Calloway:

Louis & Oscar. Say no more:

When Doris Day died six years ago, I mentioned how much my mom loved  her in my tribute to the great star. My mama done tole me to post this version:

Here’s a moody version from Francis Albert:

A  big band version from Ella Fitzgerald and Billy May:

Bobby Blue Bland brings the blues to this Arlen-Mercer classic.

Here’s the composer’s take on his own song:

Let’s get Mercerized with Our Mac DBA Dr. John:

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Jimmy Smith, Cal Tjader, and Oscar Peterson.

Have I told you lately that Cal Tjader and I share a high school alma mater?

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

Sorry Jimmy Smith. I got nothing for you.

That’s it for this week. My mama done tole me to toast First Draft readers. It’s what Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer would want. Never argue with them.