# The Year of Tony Bennett

> An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett


## Posts

- [Song of the Day: So Many Stars](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-so-many-stars-6/): The song of the day for Monday, June 2, 2025, is “So Many Stars.” About This Song “So Many Stars” was written by Sergio Mendes, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, in 1967 for Sergio Mendes and the Brasil 66 for their album Look Around. Since then, the song has found great popularity with popular, jazz and cabaret artists including Kathleen Battle, Lee Konitz, Sarah Vaughan, Earl Klugh, Cleo Laine, and Susannah McCorkle. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “So Many Stars” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. […]
- [Song of the Day: Fly Me To The Moon](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-fly-me-to-the-moon-23/): The song of the day for Sunday, June 1, 2025, is “Fly Me To The Moon.” About Today The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to honor songwriter Bart Howard, born 110 years ago on June 1, 1915, in Iowa. Bart Howard wrote “Fly Me To The Moon” for his partner of 58 years, Thomas Fowler. About This Song “Fly Me To The Moon” was written by Bart Howard in 1954. It was originally titled “In Other Words,” but the song was not doing that well, in spite of several recordings. In 1962, Howard renamed the song to “Fly Me […]
- [Song of the Day: While We're Young](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-while-were-young-6/): The song of the day for Saturday, May 31, 2025, is “While We’re Young.” About This Song “While We’re Young” was written in 1943 by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz, with lyrics by William Engvick. The song was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that “The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!” “While We’re Young” […]
- [Song of the Day: Now It Can Be Told](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-now-it-can-be-told-3/): The song of the day for Friday, May 30, 2025, is “Now It Can Be Told.” About This Song “Now It Can Be Told” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1938 film Alexander’s Ragtime Band, where it was introduced by Don Ameche and Alice Faye. It was nominated for an Academy Award for best song (it lost to “Thanks For the Memory”), though the score for the film won the Academy Award. In addition to Tony Bennett’s recording, it has been recorded by Bing Crosby, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, The Ray Noble Orchestra with Frankie Laine, and Teddy Wilson. […]
- [Song of the Day:  A Beautiful Friendship](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-a-beautiful-friendship-6/): The song of the day for Thursday, May 29, 2025, is “A Beautiful Friendship.” About This Song “A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by the sons of two great American songwriters. The composer, Donald Kahn, was the son of lyricist Gus Kahn; the lyricist, Stanley Styne, was the son of composer Jule Styne. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, “A Beautiful Friendship” has been recorded by Duke Ellington, Nat Cole, and Rosemary Clooney. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “A Beautiful Friendship” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangements […]
- [Song of the Day: Make Someone Happy](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-make-someone-happy-18/): The song of the day for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, is “Make Someone Happy.” About This Song “Make Someone Happy” was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, for the 1960 Broadway musical Do Re Mi. The show 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 recorded “Make Someone Happy” on August 28, 1962, at the request of President John F. Kennedy to honor that year’s […]
- [Song of the Day: Young and Foolish](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-young-and-foolish-4/): The song of the day for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, is “Young and Foolish.” About This Song “Young and Foolish” was written by Albert Hague and Arnold B. Horwitt for the 1954 Broadway musical Plain and Fancy, which concerned a New York couple who travel to Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to sell a piece of property and become involved with and learn values from the community. The musical was one of the first depictions of an Amish community in American Pop culture. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Young and Foolish” with Bill Evans in June 1975 for The […]
- [Song of the Day: Then Was Then and Now is Now](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-then-was-then-and-now-is-now-9/): The song of the day for Monday, May 26, 2025, is “Then Was Then and Now is Now.” About Today We are remembering Peggy Lee, born on May 26, 1920, as Norma Deloris Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota. She was a singer as well as songwriter, co-writing over 270 songs. About This Song “Then Was Then and Now is Now” was written by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Peggy Lee. She released it on her 1965 album Then Was Then — Now Is Now! About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Then Was Then and Now is Now” on February 18, […]
- [Song of the Day: New York State of Mind](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-new-york-state-of-mind-4/): The song of the day for Sunday, May 25, 2025, is “New York State of Mind.” About This Song “New York State of Mind” was written in 1976 by Billy Joel and has been a mainstay of his concerts since then. It’s been recorded by many great artists, including Carmen McRae, Barbra Streisand. and Mel Tormé. About This Version Tony Bennett and Billy Joel recorded “New York State of Mind” in June 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends. Rob Mathes did the vocal arrangements. “New York State of Mind,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends, is available on Apple […]
- [Song of the Day: The Very Thought of You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-very-thought-of-you-9/): The song of the day for Saturday, may 24, 2025, is “The Very Thought of You.” About This Song “The Very Thought of You” was written in 1942 by the British composer and band leader Ray Noble. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole. About This Version Tony Bennett and Paul McCartney recorded “The Very Thought of You” in March 2006 for Duets: An American Classic. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. Duets: An American Classic won the 2007 […]
- [Song of the Day: Tangerine](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-tangerine-2/): The song of the day for Friday, May 23, 2025, is “Tangerine.” About Today We are remembering Helen O’Connell today. She was born on Lima, Ohio on May 23, 1920. She sang on the first recording “Tangerine” with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra in 1942 and is the singer that Bennett paid tribute to his recording of “Tangerine” on Here’s To The Ladies. About This Song “Tangerine” was written by Victor Schertzinger and Johnny Mercer for the movie The Fleet’s In, which starred Dorothy Lamour, William Holden, Eddie Bracken and introduced Betty Hutton. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, with vocalists Helen […]
- [Song of the Day: Hi-Ho](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-hi-ho-8/): The song of the day for Thursday, May 22, 2025, is “Hi-Ho.” About This Song “Hi-Ho” was one of the first songs written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1936 when they first came to Hollywood and slated for the movie Shall We Dance featuring Fred Astaire dancing in the streets of Paris. The song was cut due to concerns over the costs for filming the sequence. The song faded from then and was only published in 1967. Tony Bennett’s was the first recording of this song. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Hi-Ho” 57 years ago today on May […]
- [Song of the Day: Ain't Misbehavin'](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-aint-misbehavin-2/): The song of the day for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, is “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” About Today Today we are celebrating one of the composers of today’s song: Thomas Wright (Fats) Waller, born on May 21, 1904, in New York City. About This Song “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was written by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks, with lyrics by Andy Razaf, for the 1929 musical revue Hot Chocolates, staged at Connie’s Inn in Harlem. Razaf said that Waller wrote the entire song in just 45 minutes. It has become one of Waller’s most well-known songs, perhaps due to the wildly successful Broadway musical revue […]
- [Song of the Day: Make Believe](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-make-believe-5/): The song of the day for Tuesday, may 20, 2025, is “Make Believe.” About This Song “Make Believe” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1927 Broadway musical Show Boat. The song is sung in Act One by Gaylord Ravenal and Magnolia Hawks (daughter of Cap’n Andy, owner of the show boat). About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Make Believe” in 2015 for The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bennett is accompanied by Bill Charlap, who also produced the album. The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern won the 58th Grammy Award for Best […]
- [Song of the Day: Day Dream](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-day-dream-15/): The song of the day for Monday, May 19, 2025, is “Day Dream.” About This Song “Day Dream” was written by Billy Strayhorn with lyrics by John LaTouche, in 1941 (though Duke Ellington was also listed as the co-composer on the first recording of the song,  it is widely accepted to be written by Strayhorn). The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include this one by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Day Dream” on May 25, 1964. “Day […]
- [Song of the Day: Nobody's Heart Belongs To Me](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-nobodys-heart-belongs-to-me-6/): The song of the day for Sunday, April 18, 2025, is “Nobody’s Heart Belongs To Me.” About This Song “Nobody’s Heart Belongs To Me” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the musical By Jupiter in 1942. Directed by Joshua Logan, it starred Ray Bolger, Vera-Ellen and Constance Moore. It was their last full-length work. In American Popular Music, Alec Wilder called this song “one of the loveliest songs Rodgers or any other theater writer has ever written. In the area of this form of music it is a masterpiece.” About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Nobody’s Heart […]
- [Song of the Day: Make Someone Happy](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-make-someone-happy-17/): 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 […]
- [Song of the Day: Can't Get Out Of This Mood](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-cant-get-out-of-this-mood-6/): 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 […]
- [Song of the Day: Close Enough For Love](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-close-enough-for-love-10/): 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 […]
- [Song of the Day: The Last Time I Saw Paris](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-last-time-i-saw-paris-7/): 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 […]
- [Song of the Day: Samba De Orfeo](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/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 […]
- [Song of the Day: Exactly Like You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-exactly-like-you-4/): The song of the day for Monday, May 12, 2025, is “Exactly Like You.” About This Song “Exactly Like You” was written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields in 1930 for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by […]
- [Song of the Day: The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-song-is-ended-but-the-melody-lingers-on/): The song of the day for Sunday, May 11, 2025, is “The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On).” About Today The Year of Tony Bennett is celebrating Irving Berlin, who was born as Israel Isidore Beilin on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Siberia, where his father was an itinerant cantor. The family immigrated to the United States and arrived at Ellis Island on September 14, 1893. About This Song “The Song Is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)” was written by Irving Berlin in 1927 for the musical Will o’ the Whispers. In his book The Tin Pan […]
- [Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-nice-work-if-you-can-get-it-6/): The song of the day for Saturday, May 10, 2025, is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” About Today We are celebrating Fred Astaire, who was born on May 10, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska. About This Song “Nice Work If You Can Get It” was composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Damsels in Distress. Fred Astaire introduced the song in the film, in a dance with a drum kit. The song has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday. About This […]
- [Song of the Day: Let The Good Times Roll](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-let-the-good-times-roll-5/): The song of the day for Friday, May 9, 2025, is “Let The Good Times Roll.” About This Song “Let The Good Times Roll” was written in 1946 by Sam Theard and Fleecie Moore. This song, known as a “jump blues” song, was written by Sam Theard, a New Orleans singer and songwriter, with his wife, Fleecie Moore. Residents and visitors to New Orleans may be more familiar with the French version of the saying: Laissez le bon temps rouler. The first recording was in 1946 by Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five. The song charted well on the Billboard […]
- [Song of the Day: You Must Believe in Spring](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-you-must-believe-in-spring-16/): The song of the day for Thursday, May 8, 2025, is “You Must Believe in Spring.” About This Song “You Must Believe in Spring” was composed for the 1967 film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort by Michel Legrand. The original French lyrics were written by Jacques Demy (who directed the film); the English lyrics were written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. This song has been widely recorded by artists including Sylvia Syms, Barbra Streisand, and Bill Evans (in a posthumous release of an album with the same name, featuring sessions with Eddie Gomez and Eliot Zigmund). About This Version Tony Bennett […]
- [Song of the Day: Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-evrytime-we-say-goodbye-2/): The song of the day for is “Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye.” About This Song “Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye” was written by Cole Porter for the 1944 Billy Rose musical revue Seven Lively Arts. The song is well known for the phrase “change from major to minor” as the song itself changed from A-flat major to A-flat minor, matching the lyric perfectly. It has always been a strong jazz standard. Significant recordings include those by Mabel Mercer, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Ev’rytime We Say Goodbye” on April 8, 1958, for […]
- [Song of the Day:  (It's Only) A Paper Moon](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/paper-moon/): The song of the day for is “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon.” About This Song “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely […]
- [Song of the Day: So Long, Big Time!](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-so-long-big-time-9/): The song of the day for is “So Long, Big Time!” About This Song “So Long, Big Time!” was written in 1963 by Harold Arlen and Dory Langdon Previn. One of Arlen’s later songs, “So Long, Big Time!” is about the “player” who’s run out of luck and is giving up the fast life and knows when it’s time to walk away. The Bill Evans Trio and Monica Zetterlund recorded this song in 1964 for the album Waltz For Debby. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “So Long, Big Time!” on September 17, 1963, for The Many Moods of Tony. […]
- [Song of the Day: I Left My Heart in San Francisco](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-left-my-heart-in-san-francisco-28/): The song of the day for Sunday, Mary 4, 2025, is “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” About This Song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was written in 1953 by George Cory and Douglass Cross, who was born 105 years ago on May 4, 1920. Cory and Cross met in San Francisco after World War II and were romantic partners for many years. They moved to Brooklyn to start their songwriting career. Feeling homesick, they wrote “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in 1953. Ralph Sharon, as Tony Bennett’s musical director, was often given songs by […]
- [Song of the Day: Some Other Time](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-some-other-time-24/): The song of the day for Saturday, May 3, 2025, is “Some Other Time.” About Today We are celebrating Betty Comden, who co-wrote the lyrics for “Some Other Time” with Adolph Green. Betty Comden was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 3, 1917. About This Song “Some Other Time” was written by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, for the 1944 Broadway musical On The Town, the story of three sailors on leave in New York City and their romantic adventures. This song is sung at the end by two of the couples. Inexplicably, this beautiful […]
- [Song of the  Day: I Let a Song Go Out Of My Heart](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-let-a-song-go-out-of-my-heart-13/): The song of the day for Friday, May 2, 2025, is “I Let a Song Go Out Of My Heart.” About This Song “I Let a Song Go Out Of My Heart” was written in 1938 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills, Henry Nemo, and John Redmond. Tt was a major hit for Ellington, reaching #1 on the charts. In addition to his own recording in 1938, other recordings by Benny Goodman and Mildred Bailey were made that year and were extremely popular as well. In 1952 Ellington named this song as one of his eleven favorites of […]
- [Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-do-nothin-till-you-hear-from-me-10/): The song of the day for Thursday, May 1, 2025, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.” About This Song “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1944 and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., […]
- [Song of the Day: In a Sentimental Mood](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-in-a-sentimental-mood-4/): The song of the day for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is “In a Sentimental Mood.” About This Song “In a Sentimental Mood” was written in 1935 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills added later. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “In a Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 […]
- [Song of the Day: Mood Indigo](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-mood-indigo-11/): The song of the day for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, is “Mood Indigo.” About Today We are remembering Edward Kennedy Ellington on the anniversary of his birth in Washington, D.C. 126 years ago today on April 29, 1899. We’ll be playing songs by Duke Ellington for the next few days. About This Song “Mood Indigo” was written in 1930 by Duke Ellington; Irving Mills wrote the lyrics. The song is based on a theme by Barney Bigard, who is said to have learned it from his New Orleans clarinet teacher, Lorenzo Tio. Ellington wrote the song specifically for “microphone transmission” […]
- [Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-there-will-be-another-you-25/): The song of the day for Monday, April 28, 2025, is “There Will Never Be Another You.” About This Song “There Will Never Be Another You” was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon for the 1942 Sonja Henie vehicle called Iceland, starring Miss Henie and John Payne as a U.S. Marine stationed in Iceland during World War II. The song was introduced in the movie by Joan Merrill. Amazingly, this beautiful song was not nominated for an Academy Award. No matter. The song has become a serious jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including Bennett’s 1959 recording […]
- [Song of the Day: The Song Is You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-song-is-you-4/): The song of the day for Sunday, April 27, 2025, is “The Song Is You.” About This Song “The Song Is You” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1932 musical Music In The Air. It has been widely recorded and is associated with Frank Sinatra, who recorded it with Tommy Dorsey. About This Version Tony Bennett, accompanied by Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes, recorded “The Song Is You” for his 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap, who produced the album, wrote the arrangement. The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome […]
- [Song of the Day: You Can't Love A Broken Heart](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-you-cant-love-a-broken-heart/): The song of the day for Saturday, April 26, 2025, is “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart.” About This Song “You Can’t Love A Broken Heart” was written in 1931 by James P. Johnson and Flournoy Earkin Miller. Johnson, a pianist and composer who was also known as a Harlem Stride pianist, collaborated with author and producer Flournoy Miller to produce the Sugar Hill revue in 1931 for this song. Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday recorded “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart” as a duet with Sy Oliver and His Orchestra in 1949 on the Decca label. About This Version […]
- [Ella!](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/ella/): Today marks the anniversary of the great Ella Fitzgerald, who was born on April 25, 1917. Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald were good friends, especially during the period when Bennett was living in Los Angeles in the 1980s. I wanted to share some of his thoughts about her. When I asked my mother where she’d like to be taken for her birthday in 1952, I was delighted (and a little surprised) to hear her say, “Birdland! I want to see Ella Fitzgerald.” My mother always knew quality. We were seated at a ringside table, and after her show Ella came […]
- [Song of the Day: Gone With the Wind](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-gone-with-the-wind-2/): The song of the day for Friday, April 25, 2025, is “Gone With the Wind.” About This Song “Gone With the Wind” was written in 1937 by Allie Wrubel and Herb Magidson. Alec Wilder notes in American Popular Song about “these exceptional songs from competent but unexceptional writers fascinate and plague me. For if they could write one sensitive, inventive, exceptional song, why not more?” Wrubel and Magidson may be lost to songwriting history, save this rather wonderful song with its timeless feel. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Gone With the Wind” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. […]
- [Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-crazy-she-calls-me-6/): The song of the day for Thursday, April 24, 2025, is “Crazy She Calls Me.” About This Song “Crazy She Calls Me” was written by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell (originally titled “Crazy He Calls Me) in 1949. In addition to Billie Holiday’s recording of this song, it has also been recorded by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy She Calls Me” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. “Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is […]
- [Song of the Day: Give Me the Simple Life](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-give-me-the-simple-life-14/): The song of the day for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, is “Give Me the Simple Life.” About This Song “Give Me the Simple Life” was written by Rube Bloom and Harry Ruby for the 1946 movie Wake Up and Dream, which starred John Payne and June Haver. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Give Me the Simple Life” on December 22, 1954, for his first long-playing album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. Charles Panely, who played trumpet on the album, wrote the arrangement. “Give Me the Simple Life,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.
- [Song of the Day: By Myself](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-by-myself-12/): The song of the day for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, is “By Myself.” About This Song “By Myself” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1937 musical Between the Devil, where it was introduced by Jack Buchanan. Another great Schwartz-Dietz song from Between the Devil was “I See Your Face Before Me.” This song was used in the 1953 Fred Astaire film, The Band Wagon. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “By Myself” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. Steppin’ Out won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best […]
- [Song of the Day: When In Rome](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-when-in-rome-13/): The song of the day for Monday, April 21, 2025, is “When In Rome.” About This Song “When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In the year 2000, as part of his 70th birthday celebration at the Library of Congress, Stephen Sondheim chose a list of ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written (At Least in Part).’ On this list were several songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, most of which are songs that Tony Bennett has recorded, including “When In Rome.” About This Version Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” […]
- [Song of the Day: When Lights Are Low](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-when-lights-are-low-8/): The song of the day for Sunday, April 20, 2025, is “When Lights Are Low.” About This Song “When Lights Are Low” was written in 1936 by Benny Carter and Spencer Williams, while both were living and working in Europe. Carter was the staff arranger for the BBC during that time. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “When Lights Are Low” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low, which was released 61 years ago today on April 20, 1964. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and led the trio that accompanied Bennett for this album: Sharon (piano), […]
- [Song of the Day: Dream](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-dream-2/): The song of the day for Saturday, April 19, 2025, is “Dream.” About This Song “Dream” was written by Johnny Mercer in 1944. It’s one of the rare songs where Mercer wrote both the lyrics and the music; others include “Harlem Butterfly” and “I Wanna Be Around.” This song has been recorded by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, The Pied Pipers, Roy Orbison, and Ringo Starr. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Dream” on October 1, 1971; it was released the following year on With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. “Dream,” as well […]
- [Song of the Day: With Plenty of Money and You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-with-plenty-of-money-and-you-6/): The song of the day for Friday, March 18, 2025, is “With Plenty of Money and You.” About This Song “With Plenty of Money and You” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for Gold Diggers of 1937, starring Dick Powell and Joan Blondell and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. Interestingly, the score for the film was to have been written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, but Berkeley didn’t like what they had written and brought in Warren and Dubin for this song and several other songs. Some Arlen and Harburg songs were used in the film as well. […]
- [Song of the Day: I Wanna Be Loved](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-wanna-be-loved/): The song of the day for Thursday, April 17, 2024, is “I Wanna Be Loved.” About Today Today’s song, “I Wanna Be Loved,” was recorded on April 17, 1950, at Tony Bennett’s first recording session at Columbia Records. In addition to “I Wanna Be Loved,” Bennett recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” Let’s Make Love,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” About This Song “I Wanna Be Loved” was written in 1933 by Johnny Green, best known for “Body and Soul,” with lyrics by Edward Heyman and Billy Rose. While attending Harvard (he was admitted at the age of […]
- [Song of the Day: Isn't This a Lovely Day](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-isnt-this-a-lovely-day-9/): The song of the day for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day.” About This Song “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 for the Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoor gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” in May 1987 for his tribute to […]
- [Song of the Day: For Once In My Life](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-for-once-in-my-life-7/): The song of the day for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, is “For Once In My Life.” About This Song “For Once In My Life” was written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for the Motown Records’ Jobete publishing company. This song not only found success as a Motown song, with recordings by Stevie Wonder and Jean duShon, but also as a popular standard, starting with Tony Bennett’s recording in 1967. Thanks to Tony Bennett’s recording of the song, it’s been sung by other popular and jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded […]
- [Song of the Day: It Had To Be You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-it-had-to-be-you-7/): The song of the day for Monday, April 14, 2025, is “It Had To Be You.” About This Song “It Had To Be You” was written in 1924, with music by Isham Jones and lyrics by Gus Kahn. The song is a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also been used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall. About This Version Tony Bennett, with his trio (Ralph Sharon, piano; Doug Richeson, bass; Clayton Cameron, drums), performed the songs for MTV Unplugged on April 12, 1994. The […]
- [Song of the Day: Where Do You Start](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-where-do-you-start-14/): The song of the day for Sunday, April 13, 2025, is “Where Do You Start.” About This Song “Where Do You Start” was written in 1987 by Johnny Mandel, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. This song has had many beautiful recordings: Nancy Lamott, Shirley Horn, Rosemary Clooney, Barbra Streisand, the Brad Mehldau Trio, Annie Ross, and Tony Bennett. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Where Do You Start” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement. The Art of Romance won the 2006 Grammy Awawrd for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. “Where Do You […]
- [Song of the Day: The Way You Look Tonight](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-way-you-look-tonight-23/): The song of the day for Saturday, April 12, 2025, is “The Way You Look Tonight.” About This Song “The Way You Look Tonight” was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields for the 1936 film Swing Time, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Lyricist Dorothy Fields remarked: The first time Jerry played that melody for me, I went out and started to cry. The release absolutely killed me. I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful. Fields was the first woman to win an Oscar for songwriting. It’s a magnificent […]
- [Song of the Day: Blue Velvet](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-blue-velvet-11/): The song of the day for Friday, April 11, 2025, is “Blue Velvet.” About This Song “Blue Velvet” was written in 1950 by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris. Tony Bennett’s 1951 recording of “Blue Velvet” was the first recording of the song and was one of his early hits for Columbia. About This Version Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Blue Velvet” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement. “Blue Velvet,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
- [Song of the Day: Where or When](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-where-or-when-4/): The song of the day for Thursday, April 10, 2025, is “Where or When.” About This Song “Where or When” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 musical Babes In Arms. Benny Goodman recorded “Where or When” in 1941 with a very young Peggy Lee. It is a favorite song of many vocalists and has had many fine recordings. About This Version Tony Bennett, with Ralph Sharon, recorded “Where or When” on October 28, 1959. On that day, Sharon brought a briefcase full of sheet music, and in a single session, they recorded sixteen songs in […]
- [Song of the Day: Long Ago and Far Away](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-long-ago-and-far-away-3/): The song of the day for Wednesday, April 9, 1958, is “Long Ago and Far Away.” About This Song “Long Ago and Far Away” was written by Jerome Kern and Ira Gershwin for the 1944 film musical Cover Girl, starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. In the film, the song was sung by Rita Hayworth to Gene Kelly. At the time of movie’s release, there were four versions of the song that all charted at the same time by Dick Haymes and Helen Forrest, Bing Crosby, Jo Stafford, and Perry Como. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Long Ago and […]
- [Song of the Day: Over The Rainbow](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-over-the-rainbow-13/): The song of the day for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, is “Over The Rainbow.” About Today The Year of Tony Bennett remembers Edgar Yipsel (Yip) Harburg on the anniversary of his birth in New York City on April 8, 1896. We’ve provided a link to biographical information about Yip Harburg. But I do want to add a little factoid: Yip and Ira Gershwin attended high school together and worked together on the school newspaper. They were lifelong friends. About This Song “Over the Rainbow” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. […]
- [Song of the Day: These Foolish Things](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-these-foolish-things-14/): The song of the day for Monday, April 7, 2025, is “These Foolish Things.” About Today We are honoring the great Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. About This Song “These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song, and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including ones by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. […]
- [Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-dont-get-around-much-anymore-10/): The song of the day for Sunday, April 6, 2025, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” About This Song “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written by Duke Ellington as an instrumental in 1940 and named “Never No Lament.” Bob Russell’s lyrics came in 1942, and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes […]
- [Song of the Day: Close Your Eyes](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-close-your-eyes-7/): The song of the day for Saturday, April 5, 2025, is “Close Your Eyes.” About This Song “Close Your Eyes” was written by Bernice Petkere in 1933. Petkere was named by Irving Berlin as the “Queen of Tin Pan Alley.” A vaudeville performer as a child, she sold her first song in 1931, “Starlight,” recorded by Bing Crosby. “Close Your Eyes” is her most well-known song. The song started getting jazz treatments in the 1950s, starting with a great duet from Coleman Hawkins and Milt Jackson. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Close Your Eyes” 64 years ago today on […]
- [Song of the Day: Out of This World](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-out-of-this-world-16/): The song of the day for Friday, April 4, 2025, is “Out of This World.” About This Song “Out of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of “Out of This World”, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Out of This World” on October 15, 1964, with an outstanding jazz quartet: Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan […]
- [Song of the Day: Trav'lin' Light](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-travlin-light-20/): The song of the day for Thursday, April 3, 2025, is “Trav’lin’ Light.” About This Song “Trav’lin’ Light” was written in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. In 1942, Paul Whiteman and his band came to the newly formed Capitol Records for a recording session, to include a new composition by Trummy Young and Jimmy Munday, who were both at the session. Young also brought his girlfriend, Billie Holiday, to the session. Mercer quickly wrote lyrics for the song so Holiday could record it. As she was under contract with Columbia Records at that […]
- [Song of the Day: Laura](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-laura-7/): The song of the day for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, is “Laura.” About This Song “Laura” was written by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 film Laura, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. David Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for “The Bad and the Beautiful”, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again) and his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” on November 10, 1959, for his 1960 album, To […]
- [Song of the Day: Skylark](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-skylark-6/): The song of the day for Tuesday, March 31, 2025, is “Skylark.” About This Song “Skylark” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer in 1941. Johnny Mercer is said to have worked on the lyrics for “Skylark” for over a year. The song and the lyrics are outstanding, and it easily became a jazz and popular standard. It’s also believed that Buick named its new car Skylark in 1953, due to the popularity of the song. About This Version Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded”Skylark” on October 28, 1959, at the session for their album Tony Sings For Two. […]
- [Song of the Day : Day In, Day Out](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-day-in-day-out-5/): The song of the day for Monday, March 31, 2025, is “Day In, Day Out.” About This Song “Day In, Day Out” was written by Rube Bloom and Johnny Mercer in 1939. The tune itself is also rather unusual at 56 measures long. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder notes that “the melodic line soared and moved across the page like a lovely brush stroke. And it had, remarkable for any pop song, passion.” It has been recorded by many of the finest vocalists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat “King” Cole, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, and Margaret […]
- [Song of the Day: Blues in the Night](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-blues-in-the-night-11/): The song of the day for Sunday, March 30, 2025, is “Blues in the Night.” About This Song “Blues in the Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 movie of the same name. Arlen wrote the music first and wrote a true blues song. Johnny Mercer, who later wrote the lyrics, drew on his southern heritage to write the exceptional blues lyrics. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to “The Last Time I Saw Paris” by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. Arlen recalled the writing process of […]
- [Song of the Day: One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-one-for-my-baby-and-one-more-for-the-road-9/): The song of the day for Saturday, March 29, 2025, is “One For My Baby (And One More For The Road).” Johnny Mercer We’re continuing our look at lyricists with one of America’s greatest: John Herndon Mercer. Johnny Mercer was born on November 18, 1909, to a prominent family in Savannah, Georgia. He developed a love of music at a young age. He was meant to matriculate at Princeton University, but the family lost most of their money in the 1929 crash. He moved to New York and started his career as a lyricist; one of his first major collaborations […]
- [Song of the Day: But Beautiful](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-but-beautiful-23/): The song of the day for Friday, March 28, 2025, is “But Beautiful.” About Today We are very happy to wish Lady Gaga a wonderful and happy birthday. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born in New York City on March 28, 1986. We admire her talent as a singer, songwriter, and actor. We love her for her loving friendship with Tony Bennett, exemplified in she asked Bennett if she could accompany him off the stage at his last concert. About This Song “But Beautiful” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for Bing Crosby to sing in the […]
- [Song of the Day: Just In Time](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-just-in-time-12/): The song of the day for Thursday, March 27, 2025, is “Just In Time.” About Today In 1965, Harry Belafonte asked his friend Tony Bennett to join him and Martin Luther King on the march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital, Montgomery, and Bennett agreed. This march was the third march. The first march started on March 7, 1965, the day that came to be called Bloody Sunday; one of the leaders of that march was John Lewis, the late congressman from Georgia. The marchers got as far as the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where they were met by state […]
- [Song of the Day: Rules of the Road](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-rules-of-the-road-6/): The song of the day for Wednesday, March 26, 2025, is “Rules of the Road.” About This Song “Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney. About These Versions It’s no secret that “Rules of the Road” is one of my favorite songs sung by Tony Bennett. He made two studio recordings of the song, and after some consideration, I decided to include both recordings. They are quite different […]
- [Song of the Day: How Do You Keep The Music Playing?](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-how-do-you-keep-the-music-playing-22/): The song of the day for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, is “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?”. About Today The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to honor Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, who was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, TN. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Rolling Stone magazine named her the greatest singer of all time twice. About This Song “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” was written in 1982 by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and […]
- [Song of the Day: I Thought About You](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-thought-about-you-9/): The song of the day for Monday, March 24, 2025, is “I Thought About You.” About This Song “I Thought About You” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Mercer in 1939. In his biography Portrait of Johnny: The Life of John Herndon Mercer, author Gene Lees quotes Mercer about this song: ‘I can remember the afternoon that we wrote it. He [Van Heusen] played me the melody. I didn’t have any idea, but I had to go to Chicago that night. I think I was on the Benny Goodman program. And I got to thinking about it on […]
- [Song of the Day: Pennies From Heaven](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-pennies-from-heaven-5/): The song of the day for Sunday, March 23, 2024, is “Pennies From Heaven.” About This Song “Pennies From Heaven” was written in 1936 by Arthur Johnston and Johnny Burke. The song was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1936 film of the same name. It’s one of the classic Great Depression songs. About This Version Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Pennies From Heaven” on December 30, 1958, for the 1959 album In Person! It was originally planned to be a live album and was recorded on November 28, 1958, at the Latin Casino in Philadelphia. […]
- [Song of the Day: Take The Moment](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-take-the-moment/): The song of the day for Saturday, March 22, 2025, is “Take The Moment.” About Today Today we are celebrating the birth of Stephen Sondheim, who was born in New York City on March 22, 1930. He died at his country home in Roxbury, Connecticut on November 26, 2021. I just want to say that the very first musical I saw on Broadway was Company, and it changed my world. About This Song “Take The Moment” was written by Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the lyrics, for the 1965 Broadway musical Do I Heart a Waltz?. The production […]
- [Song of the Day: Spring Is Here](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-spring-is-here-6/): The song of the day for Friday, March 21, 2025, is “Spring Is Here.” About This Song “Spring Is Here” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1938 musical “I Married An Angel,” where it was introduced by Dennis King and Vivienne Segal. It’s one of Hart’s sadder lyrics, where the coming of Spring has no meaning, as his love is gone. But rather than a sad, depressing song, with the lovely melody by Rodgers, the song has sweet poignancy. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Spring Is Here” in July 1973 for Tony Bennett Sings 10 […]
- [Song of the Day: Twilight World](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-twilight-world-6/): The song of the day for Thursday, March 20, 2025, is “Twilight World.” About Today The Year of Tony Bennett is happy and proud to honor the great Marian McPartland on the anniversary of her birth on March 20, 1918. She did it all: jazz pianist, composer, author, and radio presenter. Her Piano Jazz program on NPR was the catalyst that made me a jazz fan. About This Song “Twilight World” was composed by Marian McPartland in 1957, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The tune itself is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, often played in a bossa nova style. The Mercer […]
- [Song of the Day: My Foolish Heart](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-my-foolish-heart-13/): The song of the day for Wednesday, March 19, 2025, is “My Foolish Heart.” About This Song “My Foolish Heart” was written by Victor Young and Ned Washington in 1949 for a widely-panned film of the same name, based on a J.D. Salinger short story. Time magazine excoriated the score: “nothing offsets the blight of such tear-splashed excesses as the bloop-bleep-bloop of a sentimental ballad on the soundtrack.” Due to this experience, Salinger refused to consider any offers to make films of his works. About This Version Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “My Foolish Heart” in June 1975 for […]
- [Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-quiet-nights-of-quiet-stars-10/): The song of the day for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.” About This Song “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” was in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. 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 December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote […]
- [Song of the Day: Me, Myself and I](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-me-myself-and-i-5/): The song of the day for Monday, March 17, 2025, is “Me, Myself and I.” About This Song “Me, Myself and I” was written in 1937 by Irving Gordon, with lyrics by Allan Roberts and Alvin S. Kaufman. It was recorded several times in 1937: Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra, Bob Howard and His Orchestra with vocals by Eddy Howard. Later recordings include those by Lester Young, Ruby Braff, and Tony Bennett. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Me, Myself and I” in June 1966 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On […]
- [Song of the Day: Sometimes I'm Happy](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-sometimes-im-happy-3/): The song of the day for Sunday, March 16, 2025, is “Sometimes I’m Happy.” About This Song “Sometimes I’m Happy” was written by Vincent Youmans, with lyrics by Leo Robin, Clifford Grey, and Irving Caesar for the 1927 Broadway musical Hit The Deck. It found early favor as a popular song with numerous recordings in 1927. It has also proven a durable standard, with recordings by Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, Betty Carter, Bing Crosby, and Billie Holiday, among many others. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Sometimes I’m Happy” nn September 1, 1967, for […]
- [Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-that-old-black-magic-25/): The song of the day for Saturday, March 15, 2025, is “That Old Black Magic.” About This Song “That Old Black Magic” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 film Star Spangled Rhythm. Glenn Miller made the first recording of the song, also in 1942. “That Old Black Magic” has been recorded many times and used in several films, including the 1956 film Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe. About This Version On August 28, 1962, Tony Bennett (with his trio) and The Dave Brubeck Quartet gave a concert at the request of […]
- [Song of the Day: Swinging on a Star](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-swinging-on-a-star-5/): The song of the day for Friday, March 14, 2025, is “Swinging on a Star.” About This Song “Swinging on a Star” was written in 1944 by the songwriting team of Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. It was written for the movie Going My Way, starring Bing Crosby, and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for that year. Crosby recorded a very successful version of the song in 1944. Other recordings include those by Rosemary Clooney, Burl Ives, and Ruby Braff, among many others. The song was a favorite of your author when she was a small […]
- [Song of the Day: Dancing in the Dark](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-dancing-in-the-dark-18/): The song of the day for Thursday, March 13, 2025, is “Dancing in the Dark.” About This Song “Dancing in the Dark” was written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for the 1931 revue The Band Wagon and is widely considered to be the finest of the songs written by Schwartz and Dietz. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song describes it as “a very strong song with a superb, poetic lyric.” About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Dancing in the Dark” on April 6, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the band. […]
- [Song of the Day: Put On A Happy Face](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-put-on-a-happy-face-4/): The song of the day for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, is “Put On A Happy Face.” About Today We want to wish James Taylor a very happy birthday. Taylor, Tony Bennett’s duet partner for today’s song, was born 77 years ago today on March 12, 1948. About This Song “Put On A Happy Face” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1960 Broadway musical Bye, Bye Birdie, which was based loosely on the story of Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army in 1957. About This Version Tony Bennett and James Taylor recorded “Put On A Happy […]
- [Song of the Day: Sweet Lorraine](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-sweet-lorraine-10/): The song of the day for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, is “Sweet Lorraine.” About This Song “Sweet Lorraine” was written by Cliff Burwell and Mitchell Parish in 1928. It was originally a vaudeville song; the Rudy Vallee recording made the song quite popular and a nice, up-tempo jazz number. Nat “King” Cole had a major hit with this song in 1940. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Sweet Lorraine” on March 11, 1965, for If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Trumpet player Bobby Hackett played ukulele and Joe Marsala played clarinet. Bennett told this story in […]
- [Song of the Day: Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-bewitched-bothered-and-bewildered-8/): The song of the day for Monday, March 10, 2025, is “Bewitched.” About This Song “Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1940 musical Pal Joey, where it was introduced by Vivienne Segal. Notable recordings are by Benny Goodman, Mel Tormé, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. Alec Wilder admired the lyric and the verse but found the song “notey.” Despite being notey, it’s a cornerstone of the American Songbook. About This Version Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)” on October 28, 1959, for their album Tony Sings […]
- [Song of the Day: Darn That Dream](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-darn-that-dream-10/): The song of the day for Sunday, March 9, 2025, is “Darn That Dream.” About This Song “Darn That Dream” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Eddie De Lange 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 […]
- [Song of the Day: Don't Like Goodbyes](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-dont-like-goodbyes-11/): The song of the day for Saturday, March 8, 2025, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.” About This Song “Don’t Like Goodbyes” was composed by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like […]
- [Song of the Day: It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-it-dont-mean-a-thing-if-it-aint-got-that-swing-9/): The song of the day for Friday, March 7, 2025, is “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” About This Song “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” was written in 1931 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics credited to Irving Mills. It was one of the first songs to use the word “swing” in the title, and this song certainly defined what it meant to swing. Ellington recorded the song with Ivie Anderson on vocals, and it was an immediate hit. It has been widely recorded since it was written, and the […]
- [Song of the Day: We'll Be Together Again](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-well-be-together-again-9/): The song of the day for Thursday, March 6, 2025, is “We’ll Be Together Again.” About This Song “We’ll Be Together Again” was written by Carl T. Fischer and Frankie Laine. Carl Fischer was Laine’s pianist and musical director and wrote the melody and asked Laine to write the lyrics, which he did and quite nicely. In addition to the recording by Tony Bennett and Bill Evans, this song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and, of course, Frankie Laine. About This Version Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “We’ll Be Together Again” in June 1975 […]
- [Song of the Day: I Could Write a Book](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-could-write-a-book-9/): The song of the day for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, is “I Could Write a Book.” About This Song “I Could Write a Book” was written in 1940 by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the Broadway musical Pal Joey, where it was introduced by Gene Kelly and Leila Ernst. This has always been an interesting song. Today, it’s considered a lovely romantic number, but in the context of the musical, it’s sung as a phony love song to woo the innocent ingenue. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Betty Carter, Anita O’Day, and Ella […]
- [Song of the Day: Russian Lullaby](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-russian-lullaby-6/): The song of the day for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, is “Russian Lullaby.” About This Song “Russian Lullaby” was written in 1927 by Irving Berlin. With this song, Berlin (born Isador Beilin) explored his childhood roots as an Eastern European/Belarusian Jewish immigrant. The song is like a folk melody, and the lyrics are lovely. “Russian Lullaby” was first used in vaudeville and gained recognition with the recording by Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra. It has also been recorded by Bunny Berigan, Guy Lombardo, Bing Crosby, and Dinah Shore, among others. About This Version Tony Bennett, with Dizzy Gillespie on […]
- [Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-old-devil-moon-26/): The song of the day for Monday, March 3, 2025, 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, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.” About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” on January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It […]
- [Song of the Day: Speak Low](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-speak-low-18/): The song of the day for Sunday, March 2, 2025, is “Speak Low.” About Today We are remembering the composer of today’s song, Kurt Weill. Weill was born in Germany on March 2, 1950. While living in Germany, he worked with Bertold Brecht on The Threepenny Opera, including its famous song, “Mack The Knife.” Weill, who was Jewish, fled Germany in 1933. With his wife, Lotte Lenya, he moved to New York in 1935 and continued writing for films and the stage. His American works include One Touch Of Venus, Lost in the Stars, and Knickerbocker Holiday. Weill died in […]
- [Song of the Day: I Wished on the Moon](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-wished-on-the-moon-5/): The song of the day for Saturday, March 1, 2025, is “I Wished on the Moon.” About This Song “I Wished on the Moon” was written in 1935 by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker (yes, that Dorothy Parker). The song was first recorded in 1935 by Ruth Etting. Bing Crosby sang it in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Art Pepper, and Tony Bennett. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “I Wished on the Moon” in June 1992 for Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement. Perfectly Frank […]
- [Song of the Day: You're All the World to Me](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-youre-all-the-world-to-me-6/): The song of the day for Friday, February 28, 2025, is “You’re All the World to Me.” About This Song “You’re All the World to Me” was written by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner for the 1951 MGM musical Royal Wedding, starring Fred Astaire. Astaire performed this song in one of the most famous shots in all of musical film: the dancing on the ceiling number. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “You’re All the World to Me” live on April 12, 1994, for his appearance on Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged. The songs from the televised concert were arranged […]
- [Song of the Day: The Party's Over](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-the-partys-over-19/): The song of the day for Thursday, February 27, 2025, is “The Party’s Over.” About This Song “The Party’s Over” was composed by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, for the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing. The song was introduced by Judy Holliday, who won the Tony Award for her performance. The film version Bells Are Ringing was released in 1960, starring Holliday and Dean Martin. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “The Party’s Over” on November 4, 1958, for Hometown, My Town, released in 1959. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. “The […]
- [Song of the Day: Boulevard of  Broken Dreams](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-boulevard-of-broken-dreams-3/): The song of the day for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” About This Song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1934 movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Boulevard […]
- [Song of the Day: I Fall In Love Too Easily](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-i-fall-in-love-too-easily-10/): The song of the day for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, is “I Fall In Love Too Easily.” About This Song “I Fall In Love Too Easily” was written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn for the 1945 movie Anchors Aweigh, where it was introduced by Frank Sinatra. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost to “It Might As Well Be Spring” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is a well-respected jazz standard, with recordings by Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Anita O’Day, and Johnny Hartman. About This Version Tony Bennett recorded “I Fall In Love Too […]
- [Song of the Day: Revolvin' Jones](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/song-of-the-day-revolvin-jones-12/): The song of the day for Monday, February 24, 2025, is “Revolvin’ Jones.” About This Song “Revolvin’ Jones” was written by Willard Robison in 1940. Other well-known Robison songs include “A Cottage For Sale” and “Don’t Smoke in Bed.” Alec Wilder wrote about Robison in American Popular Song: Everybody loved him and many tried to help him, among them John Mercer. Mildred Bailey revered him and sang every song of his she could lay her hands on. I became aware of him in the late twenties when he recorded for Perfect Records. He did manage, during his almost euphoric life, […]

## Pages

- [About ](https://bloggingtonybennett.com/about/): I’ve been a Tony Bennett fan for years now, but this year my love for his music and what Tony Bennett stands for has deepened so much that I want to write about it. Suzanne Chiles


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