The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Trapped in the Web of Love

The song of the day for is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

“Trapped in the Web of Love” was written by Jeanne Burns sometime in the 1930s. She was born in New York City in 1911 and 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. Burns was also a vocalist with several bands during the 1930s. She was married to Jerry Arlen (Harold’s brother) from 1935 to 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trapped in the Web of Love” on January 14, 1960, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. It was released in 1966 on the album A Time For Love.

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

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Song of the Day: Georgia Rose

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, is “Georgia Rose.”

About This Song

“Georgia Rose” was written by Harry Rosenthal, Alex Sullivan, and Jimmy Flynn for the 1921 musical revue Put and Take, with an all African-American cast.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Georgia Rose” 59 years ago today, on June 11, 1966, for the album A Time For Love. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

I found this video of an instrumental 1921 recording of “Georgia Rose” by Rudy Weidodeft’s Californians. The recording was released on an Edison Diamond Disc, as shown in the video, as well as an Edison Blue Amberol Cylinder.

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Thursday, November 14, 2024, is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written in 1934 by British composer and band leader Ray Noble. Noble recorded it with his own orchestra; 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 1965 for his album A Time For Love, released in 1966. It was arranged by John Keating and featured 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: Sleepy Time Gal

The song of the day for Sunday, September 8, 2024, is “Sleepy Time Gal.”

About This Song

“Sleepy Time Gal” was written in 1925 by Richard Whiting and Ange Lorenzo, with lyrics by Joseph R. Alden and Raymond Egan. The song is a husband singing to his wife, who likes to stay up all night and dance, therefore “turning night into day,” to please come home and go to bed. The original treatment was an up-tempo comic song, but is sometimes treated more as a lament, at a slower tempo. It was widely recorded in the late 1920s. Harry James recorded it in 1944 and revived interest in the song. Other good recordings include those by The Mills Brothers and Josephine Baker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Sleepy Time Gal” in Fall 1965 for his album A Time For Love, released in 1966. The song was arranged by Johnny Keating and features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

“Sleepy Time Gal,” 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 Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Shining Sea” on June 11, 1966, for his album A Time For Love. It was arranged by the composer, Johnny Mandel.

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