The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In The Wee Small Hours

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 15, 2014 is “In The Wee Small Hours.”

About This Song

“In The Wee Small Hours” was written in 1955 by composer David Mann and lyricist Bob Hilliard. The story behind the song is that Hilliard and Mann were working at Hilliard’s home in New Jersey. Mann wanted to leave to go to Manhattan but Hilliard insisted they keep working. And out of that came “In The Wee Small Hours.” Frank Sinatra recorded it as the title song for his album released in 1955. Other great recordings include those by Johnny Mathis, Astrud Gilberto and Johnny Hartman. And, of course, Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Today’s version comes from Bennett’s 1966 album A Time For Love. This song features the Ralph Sharon Trio. This album is full of really wonderful songs, some of which were arranged by the Ralph Burns. “Trapped in the Web of Love,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Georgia Rose” and “The Shining Sea” are jut a few of the terrific songs on this album. Well worth digging this out of the record cabinet for a listen.

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 the album A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Very Thought Of You

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 12, 2014 is “The Very Thought Of You.”

About This Song

“The Very Thought Of You” was written by English bandleader and composer Ray Noble in 1934. This beautiful ballad was first recorded by Noble’s own orchestra and was followed with a recording by Bing Crosby. It has been recorded by the best singers and musicians: Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Benny Carter, Jeri Southern, Oscar Peterson, Natalie Cole and Doris Day. It has also been used in several films, including Young Man With a Horn and Casablanca.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded today’s song in 1965 and used it on his 1966 album A Time For Love. It’s also included on numerous collections including 40/50/60 Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett sets and The Essential Tony Bennett. This is Tony Bennett intimate singing at its very best. This version was arranged by John Keating and features Bobby Hackett on cornet with the Ralph Sharon Trio. If you’re in the mood for more, do check out A Time For Love. Other great songs on this album are “My Funny Valentine,” “In The Wee Small Hours,” “Sleepy Time Gal” and “Georgia Rose.” Turn down the lights, pour yourself a drink and drop yourself into A Time For Love.

http://open.spotify.com/track/6k3PVeDsILF9UIRokDwh7D
“The Very Thought Of You,” as well as the album 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 Saturday, August 31, 2013 is “Trapped in the Web of Love.”

About This Song

“Trapped in the Web of Love” was written by Jeanne Burns, who was at one time married to Harold Arlen’s brother Jerry. She wrote her first song for the Cotton Club when she was only sixteen and continued to compose for many years. Her other songs include “Lady With The Fan” and “Sad Eyes.”

About This Version

Our song today is from Bennett’s 1966 album A Time For Love. Ernie Altschuler produced the album; Ralph Sharon arranged this song. This album also contains “In The Wee Small Hours” and a very fine version of “My Funny Valentine.” You can read more about A Time For Love at our sister site The Interactive Tony Bennett Discography.

http://open.spotify.com/track/3DFxIQY8w2jcYJUYTbuGgP
“Trapped in the Web of Love,” as well as the album A Time For Love, is available from iTunes and Amazon.com.

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Song of the Day: The Shining Sea

The song of the day for Monday, August 12, 2013 is “The Shining Sea.”

About This Song

“A Shining Sea” was written by Johnny Mandel and Peggy Lee for the 1964 movie The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.

About This Version

Today’s song is from Tony’s 1966 album A Time For Love. The song was arranged and conducted by the composer, Johnny Mandel, and features Bobby Hackett on cornet.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4fBISkPgggFlRoW9sCN9KX
“The Shining Sea,” as well as the entire A Time For Love album, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Sleepy Time Gal

The song of the day for Thursday, July 18, 2013 is “Sleepy Time Gal.”

About This Song

“Sleepy Time Gal” was written in 1925 by Richard Whiting with lyrics by Raymond Egan, Joseph Alden and Ange Lorenzo. The song concerns a young wife who would rather stay up all night and dance when her husband yearns for nights at home, just the two of them.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this song in 1965 for the album A Time For Love, released in 1966. “Sleepy Time Gal” was arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel and features some very nice cornet work from Bobby Hackett and some great ukulele.

http://open.spotify.com/track/5XlapgCDRf5fZkhkQA9zXA
“Sleepy Time Gal,” as well as the album A Time For Love, is available from iTunes.