VA - Great American Songwriters Vol. 1-5 [5CD Box Set] (1995)

Rhino's Great American Songwriters, Vol. 1-5 gathers all of the volumes of the Great American Songwriters series into a five-disc box set. The collection celebrates the talents of George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin, and Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn, collecting some of the finest pop and vocal jazz interpretations of their songs. Highlights include Fred Astaire's quintessentially dapper reading of the Gershwins' "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," Sammy Davis, Jr.'s version of Mercer's "That Old Black Magic," the Chet Baker Quartet's incomparably smoky, sensual interpretation of Rodgers & Hart's "My Funny Valentine," Bing Crosby's classic rendition of Berlin's "White Christmas," and Mel Tormé's witty, elegant take on Ellington's "Take the 'A' Train." However, virtually every track is a classic and the set is virtually a who's-who of 20th century pop and vocal jazz. Simply put, this set is a must for anyone who appreciates singing and songwriting at its finest.