The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought of You

The song of the day for Friday, September 4, 2026, is “The Very Thought of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written in 1934 by the British bandleader Ray Noble. Ray Noble and His Orchestra, with Al Bowlly on vocals, published the first recording in April 1934.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Very Thought Of You” in February 1966. John Keating wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Very Thought of You,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got the 1934 Ray Noble recording of “The Very Thought of You,” with Al Bowlly on vocals.

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Song of the Day: Georgia Rose

The song of the day for Monday, July 27, 2026, is “Georgia Rose.”

About This Song

“Georgia Rose” was composed by Harry Rosenthal, with lyrics by Alex Sullivan and Irving Kaufman, for the 1921 musical revue Put and Take.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Georgia Rose” on June 11, 1966, for his album A Time For Love. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

“Georgia Rose,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her

The song of the day for Monday, July 20, 2026, is “I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her.”

About This Song

“I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn for the 1965 musical Skyscraper. Prior to the opening of Skyscraper, Frank Sinatra recorded it for his 1965 album My Kind of Broadway.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her” on September 26, 1965, for his 1966 album A Time For Love. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her,” as well as A Time for Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterdays

The song of the day for Friday, July 17, 2026, is “Yesterdays.”

About This Song

“Yesterdays” was written for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Otto Harbach. The song was introduced by Irene Dunne. The cast of the Broadway production also featured Bob Hope, George Murphy, Sidney Greenstreet and Fred MacMurray. One of Kern’s best outings, Roberta also introduced “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Let’s Begin.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett’s version of “Yesterdays” is from the 1966 album A Time To Love., though this recording is from 1964. It has a wonderful arrangement by Ralph Sharon and features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass.

“Yesterdays,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Shining Sea

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, is “The Shining Sea.”

About This Song

“The Shining Sea” was written by Johnny Mandel and Peggy Lee for the 1966 Cold War comedy The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming. The film concerns a Russian submarine that gets trapped on high ground near a New England town. The town gossip causes mass hysteria, but all is well in the end. Peggy Lee recorded the song for her 1967 album Extra Special!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shining Sea” on June 11, 1966, for his album A Time For Love. Johnny Mandel wrote the arrangement. The recording features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

“The Shining Sea,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

I’m pleased to include Miss Peggy Lee’s recording of her song, arranged by Johnny Mandel: