I'll be looking at the moon...

June 23, 2009 6:13 PM

I need the best recording of "I'll Be Seeing You" that you can recommend.

I'm doing my Mom's memorial service slideshow and want to include this song. Nothing too upbeat, just smooth and mellow.

posted by wafaa to media & arts (17 comments total)

I've always liked Holly Cole's but I'm not sure it's the feel you're looking for. (Be sure to listen past the beginning, it slows way down.) If it is, it's on Blame It On My Youth and downloadable for a buck here.
posted by mendel at 6:24 PM on June 23

I love that song. Two of my favorite versions are by Bing Crosby and Mel Torme (sorry no link).
posted by Majorita at 6:24 PM on June 23

My favorite recording is Billie Holiday's version. Another one with nice harmonies is a 50s recording by the McGuire sisters. I also have a decent Joni James version with a full orchestra... that one's probably my second favorite. Memail me if you have a hard time finding these files.
posted by potatopeople at 6:25 PM on June 23 [1 favorite has favorites]

I posted too quickly... I meant to also add that I am sorry for your loss.
posted by potatopeople at 6:25 PM on June 23

Hi there... so sorry for your loss.

Steve Tyrell's version is very good. (from his album "A New Standard").

I would think it would be perfect for this.
posted by jazzman at 6:38 PM on June 23

In the early 1950's the definitive version was by Jo Stafford. If your mom was in her 70s, that's probably the version she heard.
posted by RichardS at 6:42 PM on June 23 [1 favorite has favorites]

Sorry about your loss.

Mark Eitzel does a fine version of this track on his Music for Courage and Confidence album.
posted by porn in the woods at 7:03 PM on June 23

Yes, Billie Holiday - no other version could compare.
The words have meaning, when she sings them.
posted by Methylviolet at 7:18 PM on June 23

Please check your MeFi Mail:-)
posted by invisible ink at 7:56 PM on June 23

Peggy Lee gets my vote. Let me know if you need an MP3.

I also have a soft spot for the Ink Spots version. Rosemary Clooney also kills it.
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 9:18 PM on June 23 [1 favorite has favorites]

Oh and if you're looking for an instrumental version... Sonny Stitt.

Oh, and because when else would I get a chance to link to it: Iggy Pop and Francoise Hardy.

My condolences...
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 9:26 PM on June 23

Instumental, but I've always been partial to the version on Brad Meldhau's Art of the Trio 4.
posted by joshuaconner at 11:43 PM on June 23

Also my condolances.
posted by joshuaconner at 11:44 PM on June 23

Rickie Lee Jones has an awesome version.
posted by sully75 at 4:23 AM on June 24

Judy Collins's version on the Judith album fits the bill perfectly, IMO. She nails the sense of loss along with the wonderful memories.
posted by jgirl at 5:59 AM on June 24

Thanks, everyone. Still looking, and thanks to the good folks who offered to send me mp3's. You're all so awesome. It's hard to lose your mama. Looking forward to listening to all your suggestions.
posted by wafaa at 10:07 AM on June 24

Because of all the great people here at AskMe, my search is over! Blessings to you all.
posted by wafaa at 5:16 AM on June 25