The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lost in the Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 12, 2021, is “Lost in the Stars.”

About This Song

“Lost in the Stars” is from the 1949 musical of the same name, based on the 1948 novel by Alan Paton, Cry, the Beloved Country. Kurt Weill wrote the score, with lyrics by Maxwell Anderson. Set in South Africa in an era when apartheid seemed as if it would never end, the plot concerns a black priest whose son, in a robbery attempt, kills a white man who is a friend of his father. The priest sings this song at the end of the first act, in a complete crisis of faith.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lost in the Stars” for his second album, Tony, released in 1957. The very fine arrangement was written by Percy Faith.

Lost In the Stars – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Lost In the Stars – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1957.

“Lost in the Stars,” as well as Tony, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Close Enough For Love

The song of the day for Monday, January 11, 2021, is “Close Enough For Love.”

About This Song

“Close Enough For Love” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Williams in 1979. It was first recorded by Peggy Lee on her album of the same name. Although Mandel and Williams are well-known for their work as film composers, this song was not composed for film. It is a favorite of jazz vocalists; in addition to Peggy Lee’s and Tony Bennett’s recordings, it has also been recorded by Shirley Horn (which is very fine) and Andy Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Close Enough For Love” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Johnny Mandel did the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Close Enough for Love

Listen to Close Enough for Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2004.

“Close Enough For Love,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Fascinating Rhythm

The song of the day for Sunday, January 20, 2021, is “Fascinating Rhythm.”

About This Song

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924 for the Broadway musical Lady Be Good, “Fascinating Rhythm” was introduced by Cliff Edwards and Fred and Adele Astaire. The Astaires also recorded the song in 1926 with Gershwin on the piano. “Fascinating Rhythm” was and still is, a jazz number. For that reason, it has never been out of favor with jazz artists, both vocal and instrumental.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Fascinating Rhythm” in 1958 with The Count Basie Big Band for the 1959 album In Person.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm

Listen to Fascinatin’ Rhythm on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.

“Fascinating Rhythm,” as well as In Person, is available from Apple Music.

Bennett first recorded “Fascinating Rhythm” on the Leslie label. Long thought to be lost, a copy of the record was found and was included in the 2011 Complete Collection Box Set.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Fascinatin’ Rhythm – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.

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Song of the Day: The Best Things To Be Is A Person

The song of the day for Saturday, January 9, 2020, is “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

About This Song

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” was written in 1964 by Bob Haymes (brother of singer Dick Haymes), with lyrics by Alan Brandt.

I chose this song today because of these lyrics:

The Lord said, “You can be a big man,
And I can tell you where to start.
Just let the world around you
Know the love that’s in your heart.”

I thought it was a good message for this time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” in 1964 for his album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio)

Listen to The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person,” as well as , is available from Apple Music.”The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

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Song of the Day: Darn That Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, January 7, 2021, is “Darn That Dream.”

About This Song

“Darn That Dream” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Eddie DeLange for the 1939 musical Swingin’ the Dream, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The cast had many big names: Louis Armstrong playing Bottom, Maxine Sullivan as Titania, Bill Bailey, and Dorothy Dandridge. It only ran for 13 performances and is considered to be a flop. Fortunately, “Darn That Dream” proved to be a big hit and earned some money for the investors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Darn That Dream” in 1954 for his first jazz album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. Chuck Wayne wrote the arrangement.

Darn That Dream

Listen to Darn That Dream on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1955.

“Darn That Dream,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from Apple Music.

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