The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Tony Live! If I Ruled The World

The song of the day for Saturday, May 30, 2020, is “If I Ruled The World.

About This Song

“If I Ruled The World” was written in 1963 by Cyril Ornadel and Leslie Bricusse for the 1963 West End musical Pickwick, based on Dicken’s The Pickwick Papers. Harry Secombe, the British actor, originated the role of Pickwick and his version of this song charted at #18 in the UK. The production opened in New York in 1965 on Broadway. Tony Bennett’s was one of the earliest American recordings and the song reached #34 on the US pop singles charts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “If I Ruled The World” on January 31, 1971, at a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The noted composer, conductor, and arranger Robert Farnon led The London Philharmonic Orchestra for the concert, which was released on the album Get Happy with The London Philharmonic Orchestra.

“If I Ruled The World,” as well as Get Happy with The London Philharmonic Orchestra, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Once Upon a Time

The song of the day for Saturday, May 24, 2020, is “Once Upon a Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Time” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recordings, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Once Upon a Time” in 1964 at his appearance at The Sahara in Las Vegas. Recorded by the great Frank Laico, the set (including a comedy break with Milton Berle and Don Rickles), was released in 2011 on CD as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Once Upon a Time,” as well as Live at The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Saturday, May 23, 2020, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; the English lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. Known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” this is one the great early bossa nova songs. The song has a serene quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” on April 8, 1964, it was recorded live in the Conga Room at The Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. The recording was released in 2011 as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” as well as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, May 17, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “The Rules of the Road” at The Sahara, taped for the album Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.

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Tony Live! Sing You Sinners

The song of the day for Saturday, May 16, 2020, is “Sing You Sinners.”

About Today

It’s the weekend and we’re returning to featuring Tony’s live performances on Fridays and Saturdays. Today we return to Live at the Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964.

About This Song

“Sing You Sinners” was written by W. Franke Harling and Sam Coslow in 1930 for the movie Honey.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sing You Sinners” for his show at The Sahara, in Las Vegas, which was recorded and released on Live At The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964. Bennett was the first major performer at the then-new hotel and casino.

“Sing You Sinners,” as well as Live At The Sahara: Las Vegas, 1964, is available from iTunes.