The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: What Makes It Happen

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 28, 2022, is “What Makes It Happen.”

About This Song

“What Makes It Happen” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy. Van Heusen and Cahn were nominated for the Tony Award for Best Composer and Lyricist, but lost to John Kander and Fred Ebb who wrote Cabaret.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What Makes It Happen” on November 26, 1966, for his album Tony Makes It Happen!. Friend of the blog, Marion Evans, conducted and wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 27, 2022, is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written in 1934 by British composer and band leader Ray Noble. He recorded the song with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it in 1934. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Very Thought Of You” in 1965 for his album A Time For Love. It was arranged by John Keating and features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

“The Very Thought Of You,” as well as A Time For Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Baby, Dream Your Dream

The song of the day for Monday, September 26, 2022, is “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”

About This Song

“Baby, Dream Your Dream” was written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the 1966 hit musical Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” was sung by Helen Gallagher and Thelma Oliver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby, Dream Your Dream” on December 14, 1965, with an arrangement by Johnny Mandel. It was released as a single in 1966 and was included on the 1967 album For Once In My Life.

“Baby, Dream Your Dream,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Sunday, September 25, 2022, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written by Lalo Schifrin and Gene Lees. According to the website Film Score Monthly, this song has an interesting history. It was first recorded, without lyrics, in 1963 on an album called Reflections by Stan Getz and Lalo Schifrin. From the beginning, Tony Bennett liked the song and suggested that Gene Lees write the lyrics. The resulting song is an anthem for “forbidden” love. At that time, most people associated the song with interracial relationships; in later years, it has been sung by gay singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, this song has been recorded by Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, and k.d. lang.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Right to Love” on February 18, 1965, for If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“The Right To Love” is the most searched-for song on this site.

“The Right To Love,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Musi

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Song of the Day: Fly Me To The Moon

The song of the day for Saturday, September 24, 2022, is “Fly Me To The Moon.”

About This Song

“Fly Me To The Moon” was written in 1954 by Bart Howard. It was originally titled “In Other Words,” but the song was not doing that well, in spite of several recordings. In 1962, Howard renamed the song “Fly Me To The Moon,” and the song began to catch on. Tony Bennett’s 1965 recording for If I Ruled The World was a big hit for Bennett. There have been many recordings of the song, including those by Frank Sinatra, Kaye Ballard, and many more. However, Bart Howard told Bennett that his 1965 recording was “the definitive performance of this song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Fly Me To The Moon” on February 18, 1965, for the album If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“Fly Me To The Moon,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set is available on Apple Music.

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