The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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:

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought of You

The song of the day for Friday, May 8, 2026, is “The Very Thought of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought of You” was written in 1934 by the British composer and band leader Ray Noble. Noble recorded it in 1934 with his own orchestra and Al Bowlly on vocals; Bing Crosby also recorded it that same year. Other significant recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Carmen McRae, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Very Thought of You” in Fall 1965 for his 1966 album A Time For Love. Johnny Keating wrote the arrangement; the recording features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

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

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Song of the Day: Trapped in the Web of Love

The song of the day for Monday, February 2, 2026, is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

“Trapped in the Web of Love” was written by Jeanne Burns in the 1930s. Burns was born in New York City in 1917. She wrote her first Cotton Club number (“Little Town Gal”) when she was only sixteen years old. She wrote numerous songs during the 1930s and 40s. This song has also been recorded by Peggy Lee in 1965 and The Treniers in 1954. She was also a vocalist with several bands during the 1930s.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trapped in the Web of Love” on January 14, 1960; it was released in 1966 on A Time For Love. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Trapped in the Web of Love,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.