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

The song of the day for Friday, November 18, 2022, is “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?”

About This Song

How Do You Keep The Music Playing” was written in 1982 by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

The song was written for the 1982 movie Best Friends, which starred Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn. 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.

Marilyn Bergman died on January 8, 2022, at the age of 93. Tony Bennett once said that when Frank Sinatra died in 1988, Marilyn Bergman called him and told him that it was up to him to carry the torch. I have to wonder who will carry the torch for Marilyn Bergman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” on January 10, 1986, for his album The Art of Excellence, released that year. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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