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

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 18, 2021, 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, for the 1982 movie Best Friends. The initial recording was a duet by Patti Austin and James Ingram, which became a hit single in 1983. It was one of three songs with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman that were nominated that year for an Academy Award for Best Song (though the award went to “Up Where We Belong” from the movie An Officer and a Gentleman). The song has become a popular standard and has had many fine recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra (who encouraged Bennett to sing this song), Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, and Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett and George Michael, and, most recently, Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” for his 1986 album The Art of Excellence, his first album after rejoining Columbia. This song, as well as all the other songs on the album, was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli. The wonderful photograph of Bennett on the cover of the album was taken by Annie Liebovitz. Note the Twin Towers in the background.

“How Do You Keep The Music Playing,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.