Hal David (and John Barry, and Louis)

Phil writes: Meant to post this in tribute to Hal David when he died, a great example of his writing. It's a beautiful song memorably and poignantly recorded by Armstrong (in one take). It was his last recording and he was unable to play trumpet due to his health. It didn't matter, even though he was possibly the greatest trumpet player of all time.

Tom Waits - Tom Traubert's Blues live on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1977

Joe writes: Or as the person who posted it on YouTube has called it, Waltzing Matlida.

Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli - Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò) as heard on the last ever Chris Moyles Radio 1 Breakfast Show

Joe writes: Chris Moyles played parts of this several times during his emotional last ever Radio 1 breakfast show. It's my favourite ever classical crossover song and recording, written by Francesco Sartori (music) and Lucio Quarantotto (lyrics). It's so good it's hard to believe it was written during the modern era. It reached no. 2 in the UK charts in 1997.

The Rose - Bette Midler

Phil writes: There was one of those mini SuBo moments on X-Factor. It reminded me what a great song 'The Rose' is.

I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden

Joe writes: Joe South who wrote the amazing song Rose Garden has died.

Here's Lynn Anderson's hit version:




and here's a fun cover by The Suicide Machines:




The original version was by Joe South himself, and the song has been recorded by many other artists including The Three Degrees which gives me an excuse to post one of my all-time favourite hits, When Will I See You Again: