The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Aretha Franklin a very happy birthday today, March 25. In honor of her birthday, the song of the day for Monday, March 25, 2013 is How Do You Keep The Music Playing.
About This Song
This beautiful song was written by Michel Legrand with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman for the 1982 film, Best Friends. Interestingly, three songs from three different films with lyrics by the Bergmans were nominated for the 1962 Academy Award for Best Original Song: How Do You Keep The Music Playing, It Might Be You from Tootsie and If We Were In Love from Yes, Giorgio. I’ll just say that their not winning for How Do You Keep The Music Playing was crime.
About This Version
Tony Bennett tells a great story about this song: he attended a Frank Sinatra concert at the Hollywood Bowl; he had no idea Sinatra knew he was there. As Sinatra finished singing this song, he said “Tony! You Should Sing This Song!” His first recording of this song was on his 1986 album The Art of Excellence.
Today’s version is from Duets II, where Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin sang this duet, beautifully. This one of my favorite Tony Bennett songs and this duet is a joy.
http://open.spotify.com/track/4LTa2DALHWoAvFKQwsRugj
How Do You Keep The Music Playing, as well as the full Duets II album, is available from iTunes.
As an extra treat for Monday (and who doesn’t want a nice extra on Monday), we are happy to include their video of the making of this duet. Thanks to VEVO and YouTube! This video always me cry. In that very good way.
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