Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (song)

"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is an American popular song published in 1932 with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Ted Koehler.

It was originally recorded by Cab Calloway in 1931. It is now considered a standard, with recordings by many artists, such as George Harrison on his final album, Brainwashed. Louis Armstrong did a nice version in early 1932 featuring a great trumpet solo at the very end. Kate Smith did a medley version of it also in 1932 for Columbia Records. The Boswell Sisters recorded the song with The Dorsey Brothers in 1932. Count Basie and band cut a version with Helen Humes doing the singing. The great Bing Crosby sang a brief (less than one minute) version of it in his 1933 Mack Sennett short "Sing Bing Sing". Benny Goodman and orchestra did a take of it in July 1935 (with Helen Ward on lead vocal). Phil Harris (the much-later voice of "Baloo the Bear") recorded it for Vocalion Records on Feb. 27, 1937. Band-leader Harry James recorded a radio version in 1943. A very young Peggy Lee cut a fine version of it in early 1945. Drummer Buddy Rich actually sang a version for his 1957 album "Buddy Rich Just Sings". Frank Sinatra also recorded the song in 1959. Ella Fitzgerald recorded it for her 1961 Verve album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook. Crooner Tony Bennett also cut version of the tune. Amongst rockers (or former rockers) Bobby Darin waxed a unique Latin-flavored version in Feb. 1960 which didn't see the light of day till in 1964. Thelonious Monk plays it on his 1967 album, Straight, No Chaser. On his TV show Dean Martin with guest Barbara McNair videotaped a very lighthearted version of the song.