The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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On the Third Day of Tony Bennett Christmas

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Tuesday, December 16, 2014, Tony Bennett and Antonia Bennett sing “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written in 1937 by Irving Berlin for the movie On The Avenue, starring Dick Powell and Alice Faye, who introduced the song in the movie. Billie Holiday recorded it 1937 as did Mildred Bailey. Other notable recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day.

Tony Bennett first recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” in 1968 for his album Snowfall. Today’s version is from A Swingin’ Christmas, a duet by Tony Bennett and his daughter Antonia, recorded in 2004.

I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band)

Listen to I"ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (feat. Count Basie Big Band) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Count Basie Big Band · 2008


“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” as well as A Swinging’ Christmas is available from iTunes.

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On the Second Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the second day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Monday, December 15, 2014, Tony Bennett sings “Christmas in Herald Square.”

“Christmas in Herald Square” was composed in 1985 by Tony Tamburello, with lyrics by Joyce Vintaloro. Mr. Tamburello was a long-time friend of and vocal coach for Tony Bennett.

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas in Herald Square” in 1998; it was first released on The Playground, an album for children. This recording was used on The Classic Christmas Album, released in 2011.

Christmas In Herald Square

Listen to Christmas In Herald Square on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2011


“Christmas Time in Herald Square,” as well as The Classic Christmas Album, is available from iTunes.

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On the First Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas

On the First Day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Sunday, December 14, 2014, Tony Bennett sings “Christmas Time is Here.”

Fans of A Charlie Brown Christmas will recognize this song. Written in 1965 by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson, this television program has been a part of Christmas for families for nearly 50 years.

Tony Bennett recorded “Christmas Time Is Here” in 2004 for A Swingin’ Christmas, released in 2008. This album features The Count Basie Big Band, including Harold Jones, who is now Tony Bennett’s drummer.

http://open.spotify.com/track/1NbkW4qACyJ4MDpqP1kAC5
“Christmas Time Is Here,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

The song of the day for Monday, September 15, 2014 is “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” in 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! This song, as well as the entire album, was arranged and conducted by the great Marion Evans.

I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart

Listen to I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

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“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart,” as well as the album Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Saturday, September 6, 2014 is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was composed in 1924 by Isham Jones with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It is a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall. In spite of this song being 90 years old, it speaks to just about everyone who has ever been in love.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “It Had To Be You” in 1956 for his second album, Tony. Today’s version, though, is from 1964 for When Lights Are Low, with the Ralph Sharon Trio featuring Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

It Had To Be You

Listen to It Had To Be You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

Here’s Tony Bennett singing today’s song from his legendary 1994 MTV Unplugged concert, with Ralph Sharon on piano.

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