The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Saturday, August 1, 2026, is ” But Beautiful.”

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for Bing Crosby to sing in the 1947 movie The Road to Rio. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “But Beautiful” in June 1975 for The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“But Beautiful,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album<, is available on Apple Music.

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NPR’s Fresh Air Celebrates Tony Bennett Centenary Year

Terrific story on Fresh Air as we remember Tony Bennett on what would have been 100th birthday this Monday.

Celebrating Tony Bennett on what would have been his 100th birthday

Bennett, who died in 2023, was known for a string of hits, including "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Kevin Whitehead offers an appreciation and remembers some of Bennett"s lesser-known songs.

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Song of the Day: Love Letters

The song of the day for Friday, July 31, 1926 is “Love Letters.”

About This Song

“Love Letters” was written in 1945 by Victor Young and Edward Heyman for the film Love Letters. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to “It Might As Well Be Spring” from State Fair. It has been recorded by Nat “King” Cole and Elvis Presley.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love Letters” on August 11, 1954, for Cloud 7, released in 1955. Chuck Wayne, who played guitar on the album, wrote the arrangement.

“Love Letters,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Thru With Love

The song of the day for Thursday, July 30, 2026, is “I’m Thru With Love.”

About This Song

“I’m Thru With Love” was written in 1931 with lyrics by Gus Kahn and music by Matty Malneck and Fud Livingston. Marilyn Monroe sang it in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot. Other recordings include those by Dinah Shore, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “I’m Through With Love” in for their two-person album, Tony Sings For Two, which was released in 1961.

“I’m Thru With Love,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available on Apple Music.

Because I love Marilyn Monroe, I am compelled to include this scene from Some Like It Hot.

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Song of the Day: When The Sun Comes Out

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, is “When The Sun Comes Out.”

About This Song

“When The Sun Comes Out” was written in 1941 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. Helen O’Connell, with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, introduced the song. Barbra Streisand recorded for The Second Barbra Streisand Album in 1963.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When The Sun Comes Out” on August 17, 2026, for his 1960 album Tony Bennett A String Of Harold Arlen. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangement.

“When The Sun Comes Out,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Barbra Streisand‘s extraordinary live recording of “When The Sun Comes Out” from 1962’s Live at the Bon Soir, made when she was only 20. The entire album is extraordinary,