The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Jeepers Creepers

The song of the day for Monday, November 9, 2026, is “Jeepers Creepers.”

About This Song

“Jeepers Creepers” was written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer for the 1938 movie Going Places, which featured Louis Armstrong as a trumpet-playing horse trainer. It has been recorded by Bing Crosby and, of course, Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Jeepers Creepers” on January 5, 1959, for Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Jeepers Creepers,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, is available on Apple Music.

We have that 1939 recording of “Jeepers Creepers” by Louis Armstrong.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, November 8, 2026, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow. This song has been widely recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Peggy Lee, and Rosemary Clooney with Count Basie and His Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Old Devil Moon” on January 18, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Saturday, November 7, 2026, is “In a Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In a Sentimental Mood” was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz. Ellington is said to have composed the tune while playing piano at a party. The song is popular for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Notable recordings include those by McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, and Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. This album was released in Ellington’s birth centennial year, 1899. Edward Kennedy Ellington was born in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance at the 42nd Grammy Awards.

“In a Sentimental Mood,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

In 1963, Duke Ellington and John Coltrane released their album Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, with the addition of bassist and a drummer. Their recording of “In a Sentimental Mood” is outstanding.

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Song of the Day: I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues

The song of the day for Friday, November 6, 2026, is “I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues.”

About This Song

“I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1932 for Earl Carroll’s Vanities. This song has had a lot of good recordings, including those by Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bonnie Raitt recorded “I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues” in 2001 for the album Playing’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues, which was released 25 years ago on November 5, 2001. Featured on this album are Harry Allen on saxophone and Mike Melvoin on the Hammond B3 organ.

“I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues,” as well as Playing’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, November 5, 2026, is “Blue Moon.”

About This Song

“Blue Moon” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. The ballad has been widely recorded by artists including Ted Fiorito, Al Bowlly, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Nat Cole. The song was the basis for the 2025 film Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke, who portrayed Lorenz Hart and was nominated an Academy Award for his performance.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue Moon” with the Ruby Braff/George Barnes Quartet (Braff on trumpet, Barnes and Wayne Wright on guitar, and John Giuffrida on bass) in September 1973. The recording was first released in 1976 on Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers and Hart Songs.

“Blue Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook, is available on Apple Music.

We have a lovely recording of “Blue Moon,” recorded in 1935 by Ray Noble and His Orchestra, with Al Bowlly on vocals. The recording is from an album named Easy to Remember — Songs of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. The album has period recordings by artists including Paul Whiteman, Sophie Tucker, and Al Jolson. The quality of the recordings is outstanding.