Richard Rodgers-A Master of Melody:

Richard Rodgers- A Master of Melody:  Writing initially with Lorenz Hart and subsequently with Oscar Hammerstein Jr., all of his considerable output was designed for the theatre. Generally speaking, songs written for a theatrical production have more sophistication and flair than songs written independently with perhaps an eye towards the Hit Parade.
Rodgers was mainly interested in creating a melodic flow which has endeared him to singers who cherish a strong " singing line" to showcase their own interpretive abilities.

A case in point is " My Funny Valentine" a  song  written for a 1937 Rodgers and Hart musical called " Babes In Arms". It is not widely known that the " Valentine" in question is the name of the main male character in the show. Most people assume that the Valentine referred to in the lyrics is the love object of the singer even though some of the lyrics describing him are hardly flattering. For example " Is Your Figure Less Than Greek ? Is Your mouth a little weak  ?"  When you open it to speak are you smart ?"
I'm sure that the song would never achieved its great popularity if the male lead's name happened to be Alphonso. "  My Funny Alfonso " is not an inviting song title but might work for a sitcom .

FIRST VERSION: This is sung by Eileen Farrell, a noted opera and art song interpreter but one who has captured a true American idiom, expression and phrasing. She posssesses a voice of great power and distinction but never descends to the arch and formal declamations of of most opera singers who try to sing American popular songs. Unlike most interpreters of the song, she evokes a distinctive and powerful blues feeling especially in the introductory section or verse.

PERFORMANCE  LINK:
http://youtu.be/Ym5JETLpCnA
SECOND VERSION:   This version is by Tony Bennett who represents the main stream popular song tradition begun by Bing Crosby and exemplified by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald recordings. He has a different but equally affecting singing style than the more dramatic presentation by Eileen Farrell. I have heard a number of different versions of this song by Bennett but I like this for its straighforward and respectful treatment of this classic Rodgers and Hart ballad.

PERFORMANCE LINK:  http://youtu.be/XNhD0LthMRc