The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, February 2, 2023, is “Day Dream.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is celebrating the anniversary of the birth of tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, who was born on February 2, 1927.

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

In 1964, Tony Bennett got together with a remarkable group of jazz musicians to record a series of songs, including today’s song, “Day Dream.” Playing with Bennett were Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor saxophone), Ron Carter (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums).

They recorded “Day Dream” on May 25, 1964, which also featured an unnamed trombone player. These recordings weren’t released until 2011 in the Complete Collection box set, on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

“Day Dream,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let The Good Times Roll

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 31, 2023, is “Let The Good Times Roll.”

About This Song

“Let The Good Times Roll,” This song, known as a “jump blues” song, was written in 1946 by Sam Theard, a New Orleans singer and songwriter, with his wife, Fleecie Moore. Residents and visitors to New Orleans may be more familiar with the French version of the saying: Laissez le bon temps rouler. The first recording was in 1946 by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five. The song charted well on the Billboard R&B chart. Other recordings include those by Ray Charles, George Fame and the Blue Flames, Muddy Waters, and Clifton Chenier. B.B. King recorded “Let The Good Times Roll” in 1999.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and B.B. King recorded “Let The Good Times Roll” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues.

“Let The Good Times Roll,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

I found this terrific video of B.B. King singing “Let The Good Times Roll” at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1993. Dig that blue jacket!

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Song of the Day: Evenin’

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is “Evenin’.”

About This Song

“Evenin'” was written in 1934 by Harry White and Mitchell Parrish. White was a musician with several of the great jazz bands: Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Mitchell Parrish was the lyricist for numerous Duke Ellington songs, though much of his work was attributed to Irving Mills, for whom he worked. “Evenin’” was published by Mills.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ray Charles recorded “Evenin'” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. Featured on this record are Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.

“Evenin’,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues

The song of the day for Monday, January 30, 2023, is “I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues.”

About This Song

“I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Broadway show, Earl Carroll’s Vanities. It has been a blues and jazz standard ever since. Notable recordings include those by Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lean Horne, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bonnie Raitt recorded “I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues.

“I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Sunday, January 29, 2023, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938, with music by Count Basie and lyrics by Jerry Livingston and Mack David. It was initially recorded by The Count Basie Orchestra in 1938. It has since been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat Cole, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kay Starr recorded “Blue and Sentimental” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues.

“Blue and Sentimental,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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