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 Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 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 March 2002 for their album A Wonderful World.

“What a Wonderful World,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Armstrong’s recording of “A Wonderful World.”

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Song of the Day: You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart

The song of the day for Sunday, February 5, 2023, is “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart.”

About This Song

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” was written in 1931 by James P. Johnson and Flournoy Earkin Miller. Johnson, a composer who was also known as a Harlem Stride pianist, collaborated with author and producer Miller to produce the Sugar Hill revue in 1931 for this song. Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday recorded “You Can’t Lose A Broken Heart” as a duet with Sy Oliver and His Orchestra in 1949 on the Decca label.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” in March 2002 for the album A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Louis Armstrong and Billy Holiday 1949 duet of “You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart” on the Decca label:

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Song of the Day: Exactly Like You

The song of the day for Thursday, April 21, 2022, is “Exactly Like You.”

About This Song

“Exactly Like You” was written in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields for Lew Leslie’s International Revue, which also introduced “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” While the reviewers were not kind to the production, the score was then, and remains still, quite noteworthy. Even though Fields’ lyrics for the song are very fine, the early recordings of the song were mostly instrumentals, such as that by Louis Armstrong. The song became popular again in 1936, with a fine recording by Benny Goodman that featured Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone, followed by the 1937 recording by Count Basie, which included the vocals by Jimmy Rushing. Later notable recordings include those by Carmen McRae (1954), Bing Crosby (1944), Patti Page (1949), Anita O’Day (1975), Nina Simone (1959), and Diana Krall (2006).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Exactly Like You” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, which consisted of songs associated with Louis Armstrong. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“Exactly Like You,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m Confessing

The song of the day for Friday, December 10, 2021, is “I’m Confessing.”

About This Song

“I’m Confessing (That I Love You)” was written in 1930 by Doc Dougherty, Ellis Reynolds, and Al J. Neiburg. The song had 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 remains strongly identified with Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “I’m Confessing” in 2002 for their album A Wonderful World, consisting of songs made famous by Louis Armstrong. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“I’m Confessing,” as well as A Wonderful World is available on Apple Music.

Here is Armstrong’s 1930 recording:

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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, k.d. lang · 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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