The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 5, 2022, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by the songs of two great American songwriters. The composer, Donald Kahn, was the son of lyricist Gus Kahn and the lyricist, Stanley Styne, was the son of composer Jule Styne. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, “A Beautiful Friendship” has been recorded by Duke Ellington and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Beautiful Friendship” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans.

“A Beautiful Friendship,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 4, 2022, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington as an instrumental with the title “Never No Lament.” Bob Russell’s lyrics came in 1942 and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the very fine arrangement.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Coffee Break

The song of the day for Monday, October 3, 2022, is “Coffee Break.”

About This Song

“Coffee Break” was written by James Moody, who joined Dizzy Gillespie’s bebop orchestra after his service in the Air Force ended in 1946. Moody primarily played tenor saxophone, but also played soprano and alto sax as well the flute. While a member of various Gillespie groups, he had an active solo and composing career as well. He was named a Jazz Master in 1998 by the National Endowment for the Arts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Coffee Break” on September 1, 1967, with an arrangement by Torrie Zito, for the album Summer of ’42.

“Coffee Break,” as well as Summer of ’42 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Let a Song Go Out My Heart

The song of the day for Sunday, October 2, 2022, is “I Let a Song Go Out My Heart.”

About This Song

“I Let a Song Go Out My Heart” was written by Duke Ellington in 1938, with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. It was a major hit for Duke Ellington, reaching #1 on the charts. In addition to his own recording, other recordings by Benny Goodman and Mildred Bailey were also made that year and were extremely popular as well. In 1952 Ellington named this song one of his eleven favorites of the songs he wrote.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let a Song Go Out My Heart” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“I Let a Song Go Out My Heart,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Saturday, October 1, 2022, is “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me).”

About This Song

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” was written in 1931 by George and Ira Gershwin 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. Tony Bennett sang this song regularly in his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” on July 18, 1967, for the album For Once In My Life. His pianist John Bunch wrote the arrangement.

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me),” as well as For One In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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