The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Make Someone Happy

The song of the day for Saturday, May 17, 2025, is “Make Someone Happy.”

About This Song

“Make Someone Happy” was written by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green for the 1960 musical Do Re Mi. The song concerns a guy, a bit of a loser and a con, who goes into the jukebox business with some gangster pals. ”Make Someone Happy” was introduced by John Reardon and Nancy Dussault.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Make Someone Happy” in September 1976 for their second album Together Again, released in 1977.

“Make Someone Happy,” as well as Together Again, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Can’t Get Out Of This Mood

The song of the day for Friday, May 16, 2025, is “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood.”

About This Song

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” was written by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for the 1942 wartime musical, Seven Day’s Leave. This torch song was introduced in the movie by Ginny Simms, with the Freddy Martin Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” on January 12, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Close Enough For Love

The song of the day for Thursday, May 15, 2025, is “Close Enough For Love.”

About This Song

“Close Enough For Love” was written by Johnny Mandel and Paul Williams in 1979. The song was first recorded by Peggy Lee on her album with the same name. It is a favorite of jazz and popular vocalists; in addition to Peggy Lee’s and Tony Bennett’s recordings, it has also been recorded by Shirley Horn and Andy Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Close Enough For Love” in 2004 for his album The Art of Romance. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Art of Romance won the 48th Annual Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“Close Enough For Love,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.

I love Shirley Horn‘s recording of this song, so please enjoy.

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Song of the Day: The Last Time I Saw Paris

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 14, 2025, is “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”

About This Song

“The Last Time I Saw Paris” was written in 1940 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. The song was used in the 1941 film Lady Be Good, where it was sung by Ann Sothern; the song won the Academy Award for best song that year. the song also inspired the 1954 film of the same name, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnson. Significant recordings include those by Kate Smith, Bud Powell, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin, and Connie Francis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, accompanied by Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, recorded “The Last Time I Saw Paris” in 2015 for The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap, who produced the album, wrote the arrangement.

“The Last Time I Saw Paris,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Samba De Orfeo

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, is “Samba De Orfeo.”

About This Song

“Samba De Orfeo” was written by Luiz Bonfá for Black Orpheus (Orgeu Negro). The film, based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, is set in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval. The film was an international project, with production companies from Brazil, France and Italy. It won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film, as well as the Palme d’Or from the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to this song from Luiz Bonfá, the film also contained several bossa nova songs from Antonio Carlos Jobim.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Samba De Orfeo” on December 28, 1965, for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Luiz Bonfá wrote the arrangement.

“Samba De Orfeo,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available on Apple Music.