The song of the day for Tuesday, May 21, 2013 is When Joanna Loved Me.
About This Song
When Joanna Loved Me was written in 1964 by Robert Wells and Jack Segal. This song has always been strongly identified with Tony Bennett, starting with his 1964 recording for The Many Moods Of Tony.
About This Version
Today’s version is from Bennett’s 1994 MTV Unplugged album from his live television concert. I’m quite partial to this recording of this favorite song of his. He reminds us at the beginning that he loves the song so much that he named his first daughter after the song. For me, this is Bennett at his best: approaching the song lightly, just touching on the notes, almost speaking but in perfect pitch and rhythm. As the song progresses, he starts putting more of his full voice in the song, but still with a certain lightness works nicely with Sharon’s accompaniment. And then, at last, leading to the full-out singing of the last verse. Don’t just take my word for it; the audience loved it too.
http://open.spotify.com/track/0kAddd7qjnk7Bdl3v1HxwK
When Joanna Loved Me, as well as the full MTV Unplugged album, is available from iTunes.
This is a song that will always be identified with Benedetto. Audiences love the song and the way Tony sings it with love and passion. Even DJs love this song by Tony and it is heard on the airwaves regularly!