Record #0152: Pete Kelly’s Blues/ Hard Hearted Hannah (the Vamp of Savannah) – ELLA FITZGERALD

Decca 29609 (original) USA, 1955
Words & Music by:  Side A – Sammy Cahn, Ray Heindorf; Side B – Jack Yellen, Milton Ager, Bob Bigelow, Charles Bates
Musicians:  Ella Fitzgerald (vocals), Don Abney (piano), Joe Mondragon (bass), Larry Bunker (drums)
Recording sessions:  Los Angeles, CA, May 3, 1955
Highest chart positions:  none

The First Lady of Jazz didn’t have any chart success in 1954-55. At the time of this release it was already 19 years since her first charting single and the career from chart success view was already heading for the sunset. She was still as great as ever, but the trends were changing.

Her last hit record was “Mack the Knife” (US #27, US R&B #6, UK #19) in 1960. She did still find some further success in the UK in early 60’s, though.

Both tracks of this single are from a 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues”. Here are both tracks in clips from the movie.

List price:  Very Good + is $6, Near Mint $12