The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Funny Valentine

The song of the day for Thursday, July 8, 2021, is “My Funny Valentine.”

About This Song

“My Funny Valentine” ” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. This ballad is one of the most-loved songs in the American songbook and has been sung by most jazz and cabaret artists. In addition to Tony Bennett’s excellent recordings of this song, others include those by Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “My Funny Valentine” in 1964 for the album A Time For Love, which was released by Ralph Sharon. This is an exquisite recording of this song, with an excellent arrangement (and piano playing) by Ralph Sharon.

My Funny Valentine

Listen to My Funny Valentine on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1966.

“My Funny Valentine,” as well as A Time For Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Wish I Were in Love Again

The song of the day for Thursday, November 16, 2017 is “I Wish I Were in Love Again.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote ” I Wish I Were in Love Again” for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded today’s song in 1973 for his wonderful pair of albums of Rodgers and Hart songs. Today, however, I’m featuring his 1992 recording for Perfectly Frank, arranged by Ralph Sharon.

I adore the Hart lyrics on this song, which have some nifty internal rhymes:

The sleepless nights – the daily fights
The quick toboggan – when you reach the heights
I miss the kisses – and I miss the bites
I wish I were in love again

and

When love congeals – it soon reveals
The faint aroma – of performing seals
The double-crossing – of a pair of heels
I wish I were in love again

I Wish I Were In Love Again

Listen to I Wish I Were In Love Again on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1992.


“I Wish I Were in Love Again,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Where or When

The song of the day for Saturday, September 9, 2017 is “Where or When.”

About This Song

“Where or When” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. Benny Goodman recorded “Where or When” in 1941 with a very young Peggy Lee. It is a favorite song of many vocalists and has had many fine recordings.

I’ve loved this song for years and I especially love this recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “Where or When” on October 28, 1959 at the legendary CBS 30th Street Studio. The recording was released on the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in February 1961.

Where or When

Listen to Where or When on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.


“Where or When,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: My Funny Valentine

The song of the day for February 14, Valentine’s Day, 2017 is “My Funny Valentine.”

About This Song

“My Funny Valentine” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. This ballad is one of the most-loved songs in the American songbook and has been sung by most jazz and cabaret artists. In addition to Tony Bennett’s excellent recordings of this song, others include those by Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded My Funny Valentine on October 28, 1959 for the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in 1961. I mention the date of the recording session, as Bennett and Sharon recorded sixteen songs that day in a single session. Ralph came with a briefcase full of sheet music and they chose, arranged and recorded those songs in a single session. I would have given anything to have been able to see and hear that session.

My Funny Valentine

Listen to My Funny Valentine on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.


“My Funny Valentine,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes each and every reader a very happy Valentine’s Day. We leave you with this Valentine’s Day Google Doodle from 2012.

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Song of the Day: Where Or When

The song of the day for Thursday, July 7, 2016 is “Where Or When.”

About This Song

“Where or When”, by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, was written for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. Benny Goodman recorded “Where or When” in 1941 with a very young Peggy Lee. It is a favorite song of many vocalists and has had many fine recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Where Or When” in 1959 with just Ralph Sharon in a legendary studio session where the pair recorded nineteen songs in just one day. The result was the sublime album Tony Sings For Two, released in 1962.

Where or When

Listen to Where or When on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.


“Where Or When,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

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