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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

May 4, 2014 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Something To Live For

The song of the day for Sunday, May 4, 2014 is “Something To Live For.”

About This Song

“Something To Live For” was written by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington in 1939. It was, in fact, their first collaboration. The lyric was based on a poem that Strayhorn had written when he was high school. The song has been widely recorded. Ella Fitzgerald has said it was her favorite song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Something To Live For” with John Bunch at piano in 1971. It was to be included on the album Summer of 42, but was not used. Thankfully, this song was included on the second volume of Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, originally released in the 2011 complete collection (and now available on iTunes).

http://open.spotify.com/track/2YhAZNd40KrlqHMkLKaLUB
“Something To Live For,” as well as the collection Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available from iTunes.

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Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, John Bunch

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