In the last few months, I’ve posted songs from the 1960’s and ’70’s in this space. This week, we turn back the hands of time to the 1930’s. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter is not only old, it has the longest title of any FCH tune ever. So much for my predilection for short and snappy titles. It still goes for our political posts.

Fred E. Ahlert and Joe Young wrote I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter in 1935. It was first recorded by Fats Waller. That’s where we begin.

The Boswell Sisters are largely forgotten today even in their hometown of New Orleans. Here’s their unforgettable version of this week’s tune.

Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Say no more.

Have I told you lately how much I love Count Basie?

Nat King Cole and Billy May made some great records together. This is one of them.

I wonder what Sassy thoughts Sarah Vaughan shared with herself? Beats the hell outta me.

Finally, Paul McCartney who used a line from the Ahlert-Young classic as the title of his standards album: Kisses On The Bottom. This track features FCH regular Diana Krall on piano.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without jazz instrumental versions of the week’s tune? This time, Earl Fatha Hines followed by Ben Webster.

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to the American Revolution issue of The Atlantic. It’s a reminder that America was founded on protest against a stupid and corrupt king. It’s what the signers of the Declaration of Independence would want. Never argue with them.