Song of the Day: Quintette du Hot Club de France, “J’Attendrai”

John Holton Song of the Day January 26, 2021January 23, 2021 1 Minute

Jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, who with guitarist Django Reinhardt fronted the Quintette du Hot Club de France, would be 113 today. It gives me a chance to share this video of the Quintette playing "J’Attendrai," from 1938. The song was written as "Torneral" by Dino Olivieri, with Italian lyrics by Nino Rastelli. The French lyrics were written by Louis Poterat, and it was recorded first by Rina Ketty. It’s the counterpart of songs like Vera Lynn’s "We’ll Meet Again" and Lale Andersen’s "Lili Marleen" as classic World War II songs. This video is likely from 1938.

Published by John Holton

Internet disc jockey, lover of old TV (especially the commercials), inveterate wise guy. View all posts by John Holton

Published January 26, 2021January 23, 2021

6 thoughts on “Song of the Day: Quintette du Hot Club de France, “J’Attendrai””

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Birgit says:

January 27, 2021 at 10:31

Was this not on your other list or did it somehow mix with your following blog?. Anyhoo love this

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1. John Holton says:
  
  January 27, 2021 at 12:58
  
  This was something different… I know, it gets confusing…
  
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badfinger20 (Max) says:

January 27, 2021 at 01:47

I love his guitar playing.

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1. John Holton says:
  
  January 27, 2021 at 13:17
  
  As far as I know, that’s the only video of him actually playing (there are longer versions, all of which include that clip).
  
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  1. badfinger20 (Max) says:
    
    January 27, 2021 at 13:19
    
    I had a guitar player friend who got me into him some….my friend was also a huge Dickey Betts fan.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person