Happy Valentine’s Day! My “gift” to you is a reminder and a few versions of the wonderful classic from the American jazz songbook, My Funny Valentine. I just love this song by Rodgers and Hart, and it has been recorded beautifully by so many marvelous singers.
One of my favorites is the Frank Sinatra version from his first album with Nelson Riddle.
Another of my favorites is Chet Baker’s haunting rendition. This one is in the Library of Congress National Registry of Recordings for its cultural heritage and historical significance.
And let’s wrap it up with another classic version by Ella Fitzgerald, with an intro not included in the others.
In talking with my son who is majoring in Jazz Composition and plays a mean piano, he suggested that any post such as this should definitely include the performance by Bill Evans and Ray Hall. It’s a lovely instrumental that really does the tune justice.
Lyrics
My funny Valentine, sweet comic Valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable, un-photographable
Yet, you’re my favourite work of art
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
But don’t change your hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little Valentine, stay
Each day is Valentines day
Is your figure less than Greek?
Is your mouth a little weak?
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
But don’t change your hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little Valentine, stay
Each day is Valentines day
Happy Valentine’s Day, to my own special valentine, and everyone out there. Love of all kinds is a beautiful thing to celebrate.
