[Publius]

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HAROLD ARLEN

COTTON CLUB PARADE OF 1933: ”STORMY WEATHER”

Billie had her own very raw take on the song. This 1952 recording is one of the best known due to Lady Day’s vocal work. It’s a world weary take, and she is backed by some of the best sidemen in jazz.

Billie Holiday: “Stormy Weather”

[Fiji Hill]

The Nazi version:

Stormy Weather--Charlie & His Orchestra (1941)

Here's Mr. Churchill's latest song:

Don't know why I cannot blockade the sky,
Stormy weather.
Since my ships and the German planes got together,
I'm beaten every time.

Life is bare, gloom and misery everywhere,
Stormy weather.
Just can't keep my poor ships together.
They're sinking all the time.

When I walked into Norway, the Germans came along and met me.
My hair has turned to gray now that the French are against me.
All I do is call my Royal Navy for action
To attack French ships in their peaceful bays.

Can't go on, even my truest friends are gone,
Stormy weather.
Just can't keep my poor self together.
I'm beaten all the time.

[luvie]

Why was she called Lady Day?

[Fiji Hill]

Only a couple hundred copies of this record were pressed and many of these were destroyed in a fire, so among record collectors, this disc has become legendary for its rarity. The value of existing copies has at times been estimated at five figures, but thanks to the Internet, you can hear it for free.

Stormy Weather--The Five Sharps (1952)