The song of the day for Thursday, October 15, 2015 is “When Do The Bells Ring For Me?”

About This Song

This song was written by New York cabaret artist Charles DeForest in 1989 especially for Tony Bennett to sing on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. DeForest got his professional start as a singer for the Benny Goodman Orchestra, but soon set out on his own as a performer in piano bars and cabarets in Manhattan. He won several awards for his cabaret work, including those from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets in 1994 and 1996 and the Mabel Mercer Foundation in 1992. Mr. DeForest died in 1992. “When Do The Bells Ring For Me?” became his signature song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded ” When Do The Bells Ring For Me?” on May 16, 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. The very effective arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli, who also conducted the album. The album features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Paul Langosch on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums. Ralph Sharon’s piano is especially fine on this recording. The orchestra is The U.K. Orchestra Limited.

” When Do The Bells Ring For Me?” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.