"Day Dream"
Song
Written1939
Published1941 by Robbins Music
Composer(s)Billy Strayhorn
Lyricist(s)John Latouche

"Day Dream" is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn with lyrics by John Latouche and written in 1939.[1] It was first recorded by saxophonist Johnny Hodges and his ensemble on November 2, 1940.[2][1] Duke Ellington was credited as co-composer on the label of the original 78 RPM release, though he is not generally considered to be one of the song's creators.

Background

On March 23, 1939, Duke Ellington and his orchestra boarded the SS Île de France for a spring tour of Europe. Strayhorn was working for Ellington at the time but was allowed to remain at his Harlem residence. Thus, he had nearly seven weeks to work on new compositions and arrangements. "Day Dream" was composed during this time.[1]

Notable recordings

By Johnny Hodges

By Duke Ellington

By others

References

  1. ^ a b c Hajdu, David (1996). Lush Life: A Biography Of Billy Strayhorn (2. ed.). New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux. pp. 61, 82–83, 121, 133, 167, 212, 217. ISBN 0374194386. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  2. ^ van de Leur, Walter (2002). Something to Live for: The Music of Billy Strayhorn. Oxford University Press. p. 209. ISBN 9780195124484. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  3. ^ The Peaceful Side at AllMusic, retrieved August 27, 2010
  4. ^ The Danish Radio Big Band and Eclipse at AllMusic. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  5. ^ Chet Baker Sings and Plays from the Film "Let's Get Lost" at AllMusic. Retrieved 7 August 2018.


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