Song of the Day: How Do You Keep The Music Playing

Today is Aretha Franklin’s birthday! In honor of her birthday, the song of the day for March 25, 2014 is “How Do You Keep The Music Playing.”

About This Song

“How Do You Keep The Music Playing” was written by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, in 1982 for the movie Best Friends. The song, along with three others written by the Bergmans, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand and many more popular singers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett tells this story in his autobiography The Good Life, as he talks about the creation of The Art of Excellence:

I included a song on that album called “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, which I first heard Sinatra sing. One night I went to see Frank perform at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. I had no idea he knew I was there, but right after he finished singing the song, he said to me, in full view of thousands of people, “Tony! You should sing this song!” How could I refuse?

I had the great pleasure of hearing Tony Bennett sing this song live in concert and it was wonderful. The song is a favorite of mine, as is the duet with Miss Franklin. The Year of Tony Bennett wishes her a very happy birthday. But enough talking … time for a song.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4LTa2DALHWoAvFKQwsRugj
“How Do You Keep The Music Playing,” as well as the album Duets II, is available from iTunes.

And even though it isn’t Saturday, the video of these two magnificent musicians recording this song cannot be missed.