But Beautiful (song)

"But Beautiful"is apopularsongwith music written byJimmy Van Heusen,the lyrics byJohnny Burke.The song was published in1947.

One of five songs written by Burke and Van Heusen featured in theParamount PicturesmovieRoad to Rio(1947), it was introduced byBing Crosbyand is also associated with his leading ladyDorothy Lamour.The song was a hit in 1948 forFrank Sinatra(reaching the No.14 spot), Bing Crosby (#20),Margaret Whiting(#21) andArt Lund(#25).

The original key is G major and has the form A-B1-A-B2. Chick Corea recorded a piano solo version of it in the original key of G major, but it has been recorded in many different keys, including F major (later Sinatra), C major (Bill Evans and Stan Getz), D major (Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga), Billie Holiday (B-flat major) and Nat King Cole (E major). It is usually performed as a ballad.

Other versions

• Tex Benekereleased a version in 1947 with Garry Stevens on vocal.
• Tony Bennetton his first album with the jazz pianistBill Evans--The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album(1975).
• Royce Campbellon his CD,Plays for Lovers
• The Coasterson their albumOne by One(1960).
• Alma Cogan-With You in Mind(1962)
• Nat King Coleon his albumThe Very Thought of You(1958).
• Shawn Colvinsang the song forAT&T's concert for the benefit of the Walden Woods Project and The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods, which was released on the albumStormy Weather(1998).
• Chick Coreaon his albums,Solo Piano - Standards(2000) and Trilogy 2.
• Doris Dayreleased a version in 1957 on herDay by Dayalbum. (Columbia Records CL-942) Recorded Sept. 17–20, 1956, conducted by Paul Weston.
• Bob Dylan-Triplicate(2017)
• Jazz pianistEliane Eliasincluded the composition in her 2008 albumSomething for You: Eliane Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans
• In 1996, an album titledBut Beautifulwas released that featured live recordings byBill EvansandStan Getzmade in 1974. The album includes a version of the Burke/Van Heusen standard.
• Bill Evanshas recorded also the song on the albumsHomecoming(1979) andGetting Sentimental(1978).
• Aretha Franklinon her albumSoft and Beautiful(1969).
• The Four Freshmenon their albumVoices in Latin/The Freshman Year(2001).
• Lady GagaandTony Bennettcovered this song on their jazz albumCheek to Cheek(2014).
• Stan GetzandKenny Barronperformed a notable rendition atUmbria Jazz Festivalin 1989
• Johnny Hartmanrecorded the song for his 1959 album,And I Thought About You.
• Billie Holidayon her albumLady in Satin(1958).
• Shirley Hornrecorded the song for her 1989 Verve album,Close Enough For Love.
• Freddie Hubbardrecorded the song for his albumOpen Sesame(1960).
• Engelbert Humperdinckincluded the song on his albumA Lovely Way to Spend an Evening(1985).
• Linda Lawsonon her albumIntroducing Linda Lawson(1960)
• Seth MacFarlane-In Full Swing
• Carmen McRaeon her albumTorchy!(1956).
• Mike Morenorecorded a version for his 2011 albumFirst in Mind
• Gregory Porter,jazz singer, recorded the song on his 2010 albumWater.
• Della Reeserecorded "But Beautiful" in the recording of her albumDella Reese Live in Hollywood in 1966.
• German jazz and pop artistMarc Secararecorded the song on the CDYou're Everything(2008)
• Barbra Streisandon her albumThe Movie Album(2003).
• Nancy Wilsonon her albumBut Beautiful(1969).
• Lorez Alexandrialed off her albumMore of the Great Lorez Alexandria(1964) with her rendition of the song.
• Samara Joy included the tune as the last track on her eponymously named 2021 album.
• Diana Krallon her albumThis Dream of You(2020)
• Carmen McRae & Betty Carter "But Beautiful" (Live At The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco) (1987)

External links

• "But Beautiful" at jazzstandards