America’s Greatest Music – It’s De-Lovely October 25, 2013

“It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely…” Those are some of the most famous lyrics within the body of work of Cole Porter, the last two of which being the title of the in question.  Given that it is one of Porter’s most recognizable songs (save for “Night and Day,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “Anything Goes,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You”, and several others), it merits a very prominent place in the Great American Songbook.

Here’s the catch, though; despite it being a great song, few of us can think of lots of notable recorded renditions of it.  Sure, a number of second-tier bands had moderate hits with it in the mid-1930s, but that will not turn lots of heads of music listeners who are not passionate and/or academic about the Swing Era.

The song originated when Cole Porter wrote it in 1936 for the show “Red Hot and Blue.”  On the big screen, it was introduced to the masses by Ethel Merman and Bob Hope.  Indeed, Merman would record a studio version of the song, which can be heard below.  Note that the approach she takes to the song is one that would highlight the potential silliness/gayety of the situation described.

As mentioned earlier, several second-tier bands promptly recorded their respective renditions of the song, including Eddy Duchin, Shep Fields, and Vincent Lopez, whose 1936 version can be heard below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfowbjY8zTk

But one version easily stands out over all, and that is Ella Fitzgerald’s take on the tune from 1956 (which would be the same time of decade when she would tackle the “Cole Porter Songbook” and leave many wonderful records for posterity in so doing).  Frankly, nothing compares to this rendition.

Notice, in contrast to Ethel Merman’s approach from 20 years earlier, Ella puts all kidding aside and focuses on the shear passion that this tune can excite, what with being with the right gal (or guy) at the right time, along with the ensuing opportunity to create a magical evening.