The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Got Rhythm

The song of the day for Thursday, December 7, 2023, is “I Got Rhythm.”

About This Song

“I Got Rhythm” was written in 1928 by George and Ira Gershwin. Gershwin originally wrote this song with a slow tempo for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl. In 1930 for Girl Crazy, he decided on a faster rhythm. The song was introduced by Ethel Merman and became wildly popular based on her performance. Artists including Miss Merman, Fred Astaire, John Pizzarelli, and Ethel Waters have recorded it many times. It’s one of the great jazz standards.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “I Got Rhythm” live on September 15, 2016, for his 90th birthday celebration, which resulted in Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, which includes performances by guest stars such as Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, and k.d. lang, as well as Tony Bennett singing live.

“I Got Rhythm,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Get Happy

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 6, 2023, is “Get Happy.”

About This Song

“Get Happy” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1930 for the The Nine-Fifteen Revue, where it was introduced by Ruth Etting. Most people today are more familiar with Judy Garland’s wonderful song and dance performance in the 1950 movie Summer Stock.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Get Happy” on May 22, 1968, for his album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arangement.

“Get Happy,” as well as Yesterday I Heard The Rain, is available on Apple Music.

If you need some help to get happy, I recommend Judy Garland from Summer Stock:

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Song of the Day: They Didn’t Believe Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, is “They Didn’t Believe Me.”

About This Song

“They Didn’t Believe Me” was written by Jerome Kern and Herbert Reynolds for the 1914 Broadway musical The Girl From Utah. The song became a standard, including it being reused in the 1949 movie The Midnight Kiss, in a duet with Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson. It has been widely recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Bing Crosby. Instrumental recordings include those by Marian McPartland, Charlie Parker, and Stan Kenton.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “They Didn’t Believe Me” in 2014 with The Bill Charlap Trio, for The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, released in 2015. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“They Didn’t Believe Me,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Monday, December 4, 2023, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain, with lyrics by Irving Kahal. The song grew to fame during World War II, becoming an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and their loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in June 1992 for his tribute album to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Face The Music And Dance

The song of the day for Sunday, December 3, 2023, is “Let’s Face The Music And Dance.”

About This Song

“Let’s Face The Music And Dance” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1936 film Follow the Fleet with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Astaire–Rogers dance to this song is considered one of their best. It has also been recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” in 2014 for their album Cheek To Cheek. It was arranged by Alex Smith.

“Let’s Face The Music And Dance,” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

And here are Fred and Ginger from the 1936 Follow The Fleet

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