The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: What a Wonderful World

The song of the day for Monday, August 5, 2019, is “What a Wonderful World.”

About This Song

“What a Wonderful World” was written in 1967 by Bob Thiele (as George Douglas) and George David Weiss. Written at a time of great political and racial unrest in America, “What A Wonderful World” was a kind, gentle, and positive song that was very well received. Louis Armstrong recorded it first and it was a big hit for him, selling over a million singles. Even though this song has been recorded by many fine artists, including Tony Bennett, it remains closely identified with Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “What a Wonderful World” in 2002 for their duet album A Wonderful World. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

We are featuring this song in honor of Louis Armstrong, who was born on August 4, 1901. It’s always tough the first of August to schedule it all in, as Tony’s birthday is on August 3. I hope you’ll forgive me for being a day late.

What a Wonderful World

Listen to What a Wonderful World on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2002.

“What a Wonderful World,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available from iTunes.

I found this lovely video of Louis Armstrong singing today’s song. I’m pretty sure you’ll love it.

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Song of the Day: A Kiss To Build A Dream On

The song of the day for Thursday, July 25, 2019, is “A Kiss To Build A Dream On.”

About This Song

“A Kiss To Build A Dream On” was written in 1935 by Bert Kalmer, Harry Ruby, and Oscar Hammerstein. It was recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1951. The song was also performed by Armstrong in the 1951 movie The Strip, which was also sung by Mickey Rooney, William Demarest, and other members of the cast.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d.lang recorded “A Kiss To Build A Dream On” in 2002 for their album of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong: A Wonderful World.

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

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“A Kiss To Build A Dream On,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available from iTunes.

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Playlist of the Week: Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1

The playlist of the week of June 30, 2019, is Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1.

Tony Sings With the Ladies, Part 1

This week’s playlist features some of Tony’s duets with female singers.

“Lullaby of Broadway” with the Dixie Chicks, from Duets: An American Classic

“I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” with k.d. lang, from A Wonderful World

“Body and Soul” with Amy Winehouse, from Duets II

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” with Diana Krall, from Love Is Here To Stay

“But Beautiful” with Lady Gaga, from Cheek to Cheek

“Stormy Weather” with Natalie Cole, from Playin’ With My Friends

“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” with Queen Latifah, from Duets II

“I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues” with Bonnie Raitt, from Playin’ With My Friends

“Anything Goes+ with Lady Gaga, from Cheek to Cheek

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Song of the Day: Dream a Little of Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 26, 2019, is “Dream a Little of Me.”

About This Song

“Dream A Little Dream of Me” was written in 1931 by Fabian Andre, Wilbur Schwandt, and Gus Kahn. The song was first recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson and also by Wayne King and His Orchestra, The song has remained popular over the decades, with recordings by Kate Smith, Frankie Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Doris Day and even The Mamas and The Papas, with Mama Cass. Louis Armstrong first recorded the song in 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Dream a Little Dream of Me” for their 2002 duet album A Wonderful World, where they featured songs associated with Louis Armstrong. Not only are there 12 wonderful songs on the album, Tony and k.d. are very fine on this album. Their voices pair beautifully.

Dream a Little Dream of Me

Dream a Little Dream of Me, a song by Tony Bennett, k.d. lang on Spotify

“Dream a Little of Me,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’m Confessin’ That I Love You

The song of the day for Friday, March 23, 2018 is “I’m Confessin’ That I Love You.”

About This Song

Today’s song, ” I’m Confessin’ That I Love You,” was written in 1930 by Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds and Al J. Neiburg, This song has a somewhat odd start. It was first known as “Lookin’ for Another Sweetie,” with lyrics credited to Chris Smith and Sterling Grant, and was recorded by Fats Waller in 1929. Al Neiburg wrote the new lyrics and the song was recast in 1930 with its current title. Louis Armstrong made the first recording of it in 1930, and in spite of many other recordings, it remained strongly identified with Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.dl lang recorded “I’m Confessin’ That I Love You” in 2002 for their album Tony Bennett and k.d. lang: A Wonderful World, which feature songs associated with Louis Armstrong. The arrangement was written by Lee Musiker and Peter Matz.

In addition to Tony Bennett and k.d. lang: A Wonderful World, k.d. lang appeared on Playin’ With My Friends, MTV Unplugged and both Duets albums.

I"m Confessin" (That I Love You)

Listen to I"m Confessin" (That I Love You) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2002.


“I’m Confessin’ That I Love You,” as well as Tony Bennett and k.d. lang: A Wonderful World, is available from iTunes.

About Today

The New York Times had a very fine interview with k.d. lang at her loft in Portland, Oregon (your author’s home town). Check out our topic Constant Craving for the article.

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