The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Wonder

The song of the day for Monday, June 23, 2025, is “I Wonder.”

About This Song

“I Wonder” was written in 1944 by Cecil Gant and Raymond Leveen. The song was first recorded by blues singer Cecil Gant, who as he was still serving in the Army just at the end of World War II, recorded as Pvt. Cecil Gant; the recording moved easily to #1 on Juke Box Race charts. In 1945, the Roosevelt Sykes recording replaced the Gant version as #1. Louis Armstrong recorded “I Wonder” in 1945, which reached #3 on the Juke Box chart. Aretha Franklin also recorded the song in 1967.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I Wonder” in March 2002 for their album A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“I Wonder,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

We’re happy to include Louis Armstrong‘s 1945 recording of today’s song.

We’ve also got Cecil Gant’s original recording.

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Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You

The song of the day for Sunday, June 22, 2025, is “There Will Never Be Another You.”

About This Song

“There Will Never Be Another You” was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon for the 1942 film Iceland, starring Sonja Henie and John Payne as a U.S. Marine stationed in Iceland during World War II. The song was introduced in the movie by Joan Merrill. Amazingly, this beautiful song was not nominated for an Academy Award. No matter. The song has become a serious jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including Bennett’s 1959 recording with Count Basie and his 1962 improvisation with Dave Brubeck at the White House Sessions. Other significant recordings include those by Lionel Hampton, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “There Will Never Be Another You” on December 30, 1958, for the 1959 album In Person! Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. The musicians playing with Basie include Eddie Jones, Sonny Payne, Freddie Green, and Thad Jones.

“There Will Never Be Another You” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Play It Again, Sam

The song of the day for is “Play It Again, Sam.”

About This Song

“Play It Again, Sam” was written by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackaday for Woody Allen’s 1969 play also named Play It Again, Sam, where a nebbish film reviewer is coached in his lackluster love life with tips from his alter ego, Humphrey Bogart. The play starred Allen, Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts, all of whom reprised their roles in the 1972 film version. And, to be clear, no one ever said “play it again, Sam” in the film Casablanca.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Play It Again, Sam” on March 27, 1969, for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Play It Again, Sam,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Summertime

The song of the day for Friday, June 20, 2025, is “Once Upon a Summertime.”

About Today

Summer is here! Time for swim suits, flip flops, and the beach.

About This Song

“Once Upon a Summertime” was written in 1954 by Michel Legrand and Eddie Barclay. The original French lyrics were written by Eddy Marnay; Johnny Mercer wrote the English lyrics. Blossom Dearie recorded the first English version of “Once Upon a Summertime” in 1958 for her album of the same name. Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, and Sarah Vaughan recorded it in 1963, followed by Bill Evans in 1964.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Summertime” on October 19, 1962, for I Wanna Be Around. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Once Upon a Summertime,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Coming Virginia

The song of the day for Thursday, June 19, 2025, is “I’m Coming Virginia.”

About This Song

“I’m Coming Virginia” was written in 1926 by Donald Heywood, with lyrics by Will Marion Cook. It was recorded by many of the great jazz performers: Bix Beiderbecke, Bunny Berigan, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and Ruby Braff. Alec Wilder in American Popular Song that it is “an unusual and a very good song.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Coming Virginia”on April 4, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“I’m Coming Virginia,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available on Apple Music.