The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Concentrate On You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 11, 2026, is “I Concentrate On You.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “I Concentrate On You” for the film Broadway Melody of 1940. It’s one of Porter’s best songs, with recordings by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Concentrate On You” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, which contained songs associated with Fred Astaire. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I Concentrate On You,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

Although Fred Astaire didn’t sing “I Concentrate On You” in Broadway Melody of 1940, he recorded a very fine version on his album Steppin’ Out: Astaire Sings.

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Thursday, July 9, 2026, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1935 movie The Gold Diggers of 1935. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. “Lullaby of Broadway” is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 Broadway musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song, which I had the privilege of seeing in 1980.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lullaby of Broadway” on October 21, 1957, for The Beat of My Heart, featuring Jo Jones on drums. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available on Apple Music.

I’m happy to include Jerry Orbach singing “Lullaby of Broadway” live on the 1981 Tony Awards telecast.

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Song of the Day: The Day You Leave Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, is “The Day You Leave Me.”

About This Song

“The Day You Leave Me” was written in the late 1970s by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Christopher Gore. It was originally composed for an unproduced score for a musical adaptation of Atlantic City.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Day You Leave Me” in 1986 for his album The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Day You Leave Me,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About Today

My brother Tom was born on July 7, 1953, and should have been 73 years old today (f*$# cancer). He loved his wife and daughter, Volkswagen Beetles, The Grateful Dead, and Fred Astaire movies. Today’s song is for Tom.

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was introduced by Mr. Astaire. The film is widely considered to be one of the best of the RKO Astaire and Rogers films; the American Film Institute ranked it 15th on its list of best musicals.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs associated with Fred Astaire. Mr. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Steppin’ Out won the 35th Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

And of course, we have Mr. Astaire introducing today’s song in the 1935 film Top Hat:

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got a Crush On You

The song of the day for Monday, July 6, 2026, is “I’ve Got a Crush On You.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got a Crush on You” was written in 1928 by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl, where it was introduced by Clifton Webb and May Hay, and again in 1930 for Strike Up The Band, where it was sung by Doris Caron and Gordon Smith. It’s been widely sung by jazz vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “I’ve Got a Crush on You” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. Krall and Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement. The Bill Charlap Trio (Charlap, piano; Peter Washington, bass; Kenny Washington, drums) accompanied the album.

“I’ve Got a Crush On You,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.