Song of the Day, December 17: How Long Has This Been Going On by Sarah Vaughan

Today’s song is a classic of the American songbook. George and Ira Gershwin wrote How Long Has This Been Going On? for the 1928 musical Funny Face. It was cut from the show, appearing later in Rosalie. It’s a song of romantic entanglements narrated by a woman trying to choose between detachment and desire.

Sarah Vaughan included a version of the song on her 1957 album Sarah Vaughan sings George Gershwin. Two decades later, she entered the studio with Oscar Peterson and his quartet. The result, taking its name from this song, is the finest moment in her later career. Peterson’s piano is sparkling and the rhythm work of Joe Pass, Ray Brown, and Louie Bellson propels things along delightfully.

The Divine One is in remarkable voice, showing off her range and control as she soars through the song. The five musicians are clearly enjoying themselves, and the result is a standout in both the Vaughan and Gershwin catalogs.

Enjoy this remarkable performance today.