The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Fascinating Rhythm

The song of the day for Sunday, January 20, 2021, is “Fascinating Rhythm.”

About This Song

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924 for the Broadway musical Lady Be Good, “Fascinating Rhythm” was introduced by Cliff Edwards and Fred and Adele Astaire. The Astaires also recorded the song in 1926 with Gershwin on the piano. “Fascinating Rhythm” was and still is, a jazz number. For that reason, it has never been out of favor with jazz artists, both vocal and instrumental.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Fascinating Rhythm” in 1958 with The Count Basie Big Band for the 1959 album In Person.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm

Listen to Fascinatin’ Rhythm on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.

“Fascinating Rhythm,” as well as In Person, is available from Apple Music.

Bennett first recorded “Fascinating Rhythm” on the Leslie label. Long thought to be lost, a copy of the record was found and was included in the 2011 Complete Collection Box Set.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Fascinatin’ Rhythm – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2012.

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Song of the Day: The Best Things To Be Is A Person

The song of the day for Saturday, January 9, 2020, is “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

About This Song

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” was written in 1964 by Bob Haymes (brother of singer Dick Haymes), with lyrics by Alan Brandt.

I chose this song today because of these lyrics:

The Lord said, “You can be a big man,
And I can tell you where to start.
Just let the world around you
Know the love that’s in your heart.”

I thought it was a good message for this time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Thing To Be Is A Person” in 1964 for his album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio)

Listen to The Best Thing to Be Is a Person (feat. The Ralph Sharon Trio) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“The Best Thing To Be Is A Person,” as well as , is available from Apple Music.”The Best Thing To Be Is A Person.”

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Song of the Day: Darn That Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, January 7, 2021, is “Darn That Dream.”

About This Song

“Darn That Dream” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Eddie DeLange for the 1939 musical Swingin’ the Dream, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The cast had many big names: Louis Armstrong playing Bottom, Maxine Sullivan as Titania, Bill Bailey, and Dorothy Dandridge. It only ran for 13 performances and is considered to be a flop. Fortunately, “Darn That Dream” proved to be a big hit and earned some money for the investors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Darn That Dream” in 1954 for his first jazz album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. Chuck Wayne wrote the arrangement.

Darn That Dream

Listen to Darn That Dream on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1955.

“Darn That Dream,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Good Morning Heartache

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 6, 2021, is “Good Morning Heartache.”

About This Song

“Good Morning, Heartache” was written in 1946 by Irene Higginbotham, Ervin Drake, and Dan Fisher. The song is strongly associated with Billie Holiday, who recorded the song in 1946. The popularity of the song was revived when Diana Ross recorded it for the Billie Holiday biographical film Lady Sings The Blues, released in 1972.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Good Morning Heartache” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Good Morning, Heartache

Listen to Good Morning, Heartache on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.

“Good Morning Heartache,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1946 recording.

Good Morning Heartache

Listen to Good Morning Heartache on Spotify. Billie Holiday · Song · 2017.

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Song of the Day: Love For Sale

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 5, 2020, is “Love For Sale.”

About This Song

“Love For Sale” was written by Cole Porter in 1930 for his Broadway musical The New Yorkers. The song was sung by a prostitute advertising her services. The song was considered rather scandalous at the time. In fact, for the production of The New Yorkers, it was supposed to be sung by the white star Kathryn Crawford, but the song was assigned to an African-American singer instead. In spite of being banned from play on the radio, “Love For Sale” has had many fine recordings, including those by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Miles Davis

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love For Sale” in 1957 for his third album, The Beat of My Heart. Ralph Sharon had just been hired as Bennett’s pianist and musical director; together they conceived the album. In addition to creating a very good jazz band for the album, they brought in percussionists to play as well. “Love for Sale” featured Candido, Sabu, and Bennett’s regular drummer, Billy Exiner.

Love for Sale

Listen to Love for Sale on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1957.

“Love For Sale,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available from Apple Music.

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