With Valentine’s Day this weekend, it’s time for flowers. Chocolates. And romance.
But don’t forget the romantic music.
The natural pick is the classic My Funny Valentine, written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1936 Broadway show, Babes In Arms. According to Wikipedia, it’s been recorded more than 1,000 times by 600 artists.
Which is the best version? We surfed through YouTube and picked a half-dozen Valentine‘s for your musical bouquet:
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by Chet Baker
Is it romantic: Very. Baker, a jazz trumpeter, wasn’t a great singer, but he was an expressive one, and his breathy whispering style is perfect for romance.
The grade: 4 out of 4 hearts
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by Chaka Khan
Is it romantic: Mostly. Khan goes for the glossy, supper-club approach and belts out the choruses, giving it a modern, R & B feel.
The grade: 3 out of four hearts
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by Nico
Is it romantic: Uh…the Euro chanteuse is one of those acquired tastes. Her deep, whiskey-and-cigarettes voice perfectly fits the cabaret arrangement. Sort of a “My Funny Valentine” for depressives.
The grade: 2 out of four hearts
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by The Miles Davis Quintet
Is it romantic: Yeah, baby. Smooth and suave, with Miles blowing his cool trumpet. Turn the lights down low and turn this up.
The grade: 4 out of four hearts
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by Melinda Doolittle
Is it romantic: More brassy than romantic. On American Idol, they go for that over-emoting style of romance that bludgeons you over the head rather than sneaks up on you. If you like that style, stick with Chaka.
The grade: 2 out of four hearts
The valentine: My Funny Valentine, by Bill Evans and Jim Hall
Is it romantic: Not really. This is a jazzy, bop re-imagining of the song by the great team of pianist Evans and guitarist Hall. Great to listen to, though.
The grade: 3.5 out of four hearts
Did we not pick your favorite sweet, comic Valentine? Let us know!




You ever hear Rufus Wainwright’s version? It’s not bad.
Lousy depressing song. I listened to all and they all sound like sh*t. If you like this, you must hate your family. Wierdo music Goodnight
Elvis is King! Why did you neglect the Elvis Costello version!?
Elvey Rose–fantasic