The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: With Plenty of Money and You

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 29, 2023, is “With Plenty of Money and You.”

About This Song

“With Plenty of Money and You” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for Gold Diggers of 1937, starring Dick Powell and Joan Blondell and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. Interestingly, the score for the film was to have been written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, but Berkeley didn’t like what they had written and brought in Warren and Dubin for this song and several other songs. Some Arlen and Harburg songs were used in the film as well.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “With Plenty of Money and You” with Count Basie and His Orchestra on January 5, 1959, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. This recording was released on the album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings in 1959.

“With Plenty of Money and You,” as well as Basie Swings, Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dream Dancing

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 28, 2023, is “Dream Dancing.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to honor Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, on her birthday! Happy birthday! We love you madly.

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Dream Dancing” for the 1941 movie You’ll Never Get Rich, though it was introduced only in its instrumental form. The first recording of the song, with lyrics, was made by Fred Astaire in the same year, with The Delta Rhythm Boys. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Zims with Jimmy Rowles, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Dream Dancing” for their 2021 album Love For Sale. The orchestral arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Dream Dancing,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video for the recording:

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

The song of the day for Monday, March 27, 2023, is “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart.”

About This Song

“I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” was written in 1938 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. It 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 in 1938 and were extremely popular as well. In 1952 Ellington named this song one of his eleven favorites.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! It was arranged by Marion Evans.

“I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, March 26, 2023, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Rules of the Road” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Light Are Low. Although the album was recorded with his trio, Bennett was accompanied only by pianist Ralph Sharon, who also wrote the arrangement.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Do It Again

The song of the day for Saturday, March 25, 2023, is “Do It Again.”

About This Song

“Do It Again” was written in 1922 by George Gershwin and Buddy DeSylva. Gershwin was in a meeting with his publisher, Max Dreyfus when DeSylva walked in and said “Let’s write a hit!” Gershwin started composing on the spot. DeSylva listened for a few minutes and then sang “Oh, do it again.” Gershwin played the song at parties when it was heard by Irene Bordoni, who wanted to perform it in her show The French Doll. It’s been widely recorded, including a wonderful Judy Garland recording from her 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, released on Judy at Carnegie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “Do It Again” for their album Love Is Here To Stay. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“Do It Again,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay is available on Apple Music.

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