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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

July 7, 2019 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Over the Rainbow

The song of the day for Monday, July 8, 2019, is “Over the Rainbow.”

About This Song

Written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, “Over The Rainbow” is from the wonderful movie The Wizard Of Oz. Interestingly, the producers wanted to cut the song from the film, as they felt it slowed downed the movie. Thankfully, the preview audiences preferred the movie with the song.

“Over The Rainbow” ranked as the #1 song of the 20th century per the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts. The song has always been closely associated with Judy Garland. In a letter to Harold Arlen, Judy Garland wrote that the song “…has become part of my life. It’s so symbolic of everybody’s dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why some people get tears in their eyes when they hear it. I’ve sung it thousands of times and it’s still the song that’s closest to my heart.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Over the Rainbow” in 1960 for Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. The recording was arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.

Yesterday, I settled down for a couple of hours and watched The Wizard of Oz on TCM. At my age, I can’t begin to even guess how many times I’ve watched this movie. Yet, I’m still enchanted and find great joy in watching it. And, of course, “Over the Rainbow” never fails to stir my heart.

Over The Rainbow – 2011 Remaster

Over The Rainbow – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Over the Rainbow,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

Lyricist Yip Harburg appeared on a television program about songwriting and talked about “Over the Rainbow”.

Yip Harburg – Over The Rainbow

After many requests, I am uploading this short clip which I use in teaching the basics of songwriting. It is a moving version of “Over The Rainbow” by the lyricist himself.

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Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Glenn Osser, Harold Arlen, Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz, Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg

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