The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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A Sleeping Bee

The Song of the Day is the glorious A Sleeping Bee, written by Harold Arlen and Truman Capote. It was written for the musical House of Flowers, based on the short story by Truman Capote; Harold Arlen wrote music and lyrics and Truman Capote wrote the book and lyrics. It’s a lovely song and we’re happy to present it as the Song of the Day. Tony Bennett first recorded A Sleeping Bee 1959 for Tony Bennett Sings for Two, his wonderful album with Ralph Sharon.

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Yesterday I Heard The Rain

The Song of the Day is Yesterday I Heard the Rain. I must admit that I wasn’t aware of this song prior to the Tony Bennett/Alejandro Sanz duet on Duets II. Mr. Bennett first recorded the song for his 1968 album of the same name. Written originally in Spanish, Esta Tarde Vi Llover was written By Armando Mazanero, with lyrics by Gene Lees. It’s a beautiful song and we’re happy to present Mr. Bennett’s original recording.

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It Was Me

The Song of the Day for July 30, 2012 is It Was Me, a beautiful summer love song. Recorded originally 1962 for the album I Wanna Be Around, today’s link is from the compilation collection Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett. This song was also featured on a National Public Radio for a series of summer song favorites: Mr. Bennett chose this song as his favorite summer song. Click here to visit the NPR site to hear the story.

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Smile

The Song of the Day for July 28, 2012 is Smile, by Charlie Chaplin. Mr. Bennett first recorded this song as single for Columbia in 1959. He’s sung in this song in every concert of his I’ve ever attended and I hope he continues to sing it in the concerts I will be attending in the future. It’s a wistful song that simultaneously brings a smile to my lips and a tear or two to my eyes every time. Today’s link is to his second recording of the song on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, recorded in 1962.