The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Man That Got Away

The song of the day for Saturday, July 31, 2021, is “The Man That Got Away.”

About This Song

“The Man That Got Away” was written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin for Judy Garland to sing in her 1954 version of A Star Is Born, with James Mason. Her performance of the song is legendary in film history, with 27 takes in three days, three separate sessions, and two different directors. The filmed scene is brilliant and made the song a huge hit for Garland, who sang it in most of her concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Man That Got Away” in 1959 with Ralph Sharon for the album Tony Sings For Two, released in 1962.

Where or When

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

“The Man That Got Away,” as well as Tony Sings For Two is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that famous clip from A Star Is Born:

The Man That Got Away - A Star Is Born (1954)

Of course this is the original version that was written for Judy by Harold Arlen for the film A Star Is Born in 1954. Judy Garland is 32 years old here.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Sunday, July 18, 2021, is “Who Cares.”

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote “Who Cares” in 1931 for the Broadway musical Of Thee I Sing. It’s one of their very popular songs with many fine recordings, including those by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares” 54 years ago today, July 18, 1967, at one of the recording sessions for the album For Once In My Life. The recording didn’t make to the original release of the album but was added for the CD in 2011 Complete Collection box set release. Bennett’s pianist, John Bunch, wrote the arrangement.

Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me)

Listen to Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“Who Cares,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Ship

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 8, 2021, is “My Ship.”

About This Song

“My Ship” was composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Ira Gershwin for the 1941 Broadway musical Lady In The Dark. Miles Davis’ recording in 1957, along with vocal versions by Jeri Southern and Sarah Vaughan, cemented this song as a jazz standard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “My Ship” for his 1961 album My Heart Sings. Bennett sang “My Ship” at his June 9, 1962, concert at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

My Ship (From "Lady In The Dark") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to My Ship (From "Lady In The Dark") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“My Ship,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Love Is Here To Stay

The song of the day for Sunday, June 6, 2021, is “Love Is Here To Stay.”

About This Song

“Love Is Here To Stay” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1937 for The Goldwyn Follies movie, which was released after George Gershwin’s death. It’s also known as “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” but the published title of the song omits the “Our.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Love Is Here To Stay” in 1959 for Hometown, My Town and again most recently with Diana Krall on their album Love Is Here To Stay. Today’s recording is from his 1962 appearance at Carnegie Hall, captured on the release of Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Our Love Is Here to Stay (From "The Goldwyn Follies") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Our Love Is Here to Stay (From "The Goldwyn Follies") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Love Is Here To Stay,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.
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Song of the Day: Strike Up The Band

The song of the day for Monday, May 31, 2021, is “Strike Up The Band.”

About This Song

“Strike Up the Band” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1927 musical of the same name. Although Strike Up the Band was not a big hit on Broadway, the song became extremely popular. When Gershwin moved to Los Angeles, he was approached by UCLA to help with a fight song and so he contributed “Strike Up the Band for UCLA”, which is still played at all football and home basketball games at the university.

About This Recording

Tony Bennett recorded “Strike Up The Band” with Count Basie and His Orchestra in 1959 for his album Basie/Bennett. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Strike up the Band (Strike up the Band) - 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to Strike up the Band (Strike up the Band) - 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Count Basie · Song · 1959.

“Strike Up The Band,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from Apple Music.

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