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 Sunday, January 22, 2017 is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About This Song

This ballad by the British composer and band leader Ray Noble has been popular since it was written in 1934. 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 Johnny Keating and features cornet player Bobby Hackett.

The Very Thought Of You

Listen to The Very Thought Of You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“The Very Thought Of You,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: In The Wee Small Hours

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 23, 2016 is “In The Wee Small Hours.”

About This Song

“In The Wee Small Hours” was written in 1955 by David Mann and Bob Hilliard. The song is, of course, widely identified with Frank Sinatra, who anchored his well-received concept album In the Wee Small Hours around this song. Interestingly, the song almost didn’t get written. The two songwriters were working in Hilliard’s home in New Jersey. It was well past midnight and Mann was getting ready to leave for home in New York. Hilliard urged him to stay and Mann came up with the tune, to which Hilliard quickly wrote the lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In The Wee Small Hours” in 1964 for his album A Time For Love. The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

In The Wee Small Hours

Listen to In The Wee Small Hours on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“In The Wee Small Hours,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Shining Sea

The song of the day for Friday, November 11, 2016 is “The Shining Sea.”

About This Song

“The Shining Sea” was written by Johnny Mandel and Peggy Lee (yes, that Miss 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” in 1966 for his album A Time To Love. The arrangement is by Johnny Mandel, our songwriter of the month for November.

The Shining Sea

Listen to The Shining Sea on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“The Shining Sea,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 16, 2016 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 for the 1965 musical Skyscraper by the songwriting team of Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. The production got a mild reception, probably due to opening in the same season as Man of La Mancha and Sweet Charity, even though it starred the wonderful and beautiful Julie Harris, who was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance, as was the production for Best Musical. Tough competition from two musicals that were pointing to the future of musical theatre. Nonetheless, this song is quite beautiful.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her” was recorded on September 26, 1965 and released in 1966 on the album A Time For Love. The song was arranged by Johnny Mandel. It’s worth noting that Jimmy Rowles, who played for Billie Holiday on and off during the 1950s, played piano at the session. It was a pretty good session; the other song recorded that day was “The Shadow Of Your Smile.” A good day’s work.

I"ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her

Listen to I"ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think Of Her,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Trapped in the Web of Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 6, 2015 is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

“Trapped in the Web of Love” was written in the 1930s by Jeanne Burns. Burns was born in New York City in 1917 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trapped in the Web of Love” in 1960; it was arranged and conducted by Ralph Sharon. However, this song wasn’t released until 1966, when it was included on A Time For Love.

Trapped In The Web Of Love

Listen to Trapped In The Web Of Love on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966


“Trapped in the Web of Love,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.