The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: With Plenty of Money and You

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 29, 2023, is “With Plenty of Money and You.”

About This Song

“With Plenty of Money and You” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for Gold Diggers of 1937, starring Dick Powell and Joan Blondell and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. Interestingly, the score for the film was to have been written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, but Berkeley didn’t like what they had written and brought in Warren and Dubin for this song and several other songs. Some Arlen and Harburg songs were used in the film as well.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “With Plenty of Money and You” with Count Basie and His Orchestra on January 5, 1959, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. This recording was released on the album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings in 1959.

“With Plenty of Money and You,” as well as Basie Swings, Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Saturday, December 3, 2022, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1933 movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Only Have Eyes For You

The song of the day for Thursday, October 6, 2022, is “I Only Have Eyes For You.”

About This Song

“I Only Have Eyes For You” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1934 movie Dames, where it was introduced by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. It has been steadily recorded since 1934 by many singers including Billie Holiday, Bette Midler, Dinah Shore, and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s also been recorded by The Flamingos and even Art Garfunkel. This charming song seems to speak to listeners from all generations.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Only Have Eyes For You” on December 21, 1967, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“I Only Have Eyes For You,” as well as Yesterday I Heard The Rain is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 18, 2022, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

Harry Warren and Al Dubin wrote “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in 1933 for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his 1946 demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” on April 17, 1950, featuring an arrangement by Marty Manning. It was released as a single on May 22, 1950.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as the songs collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Friday, September 3, 2021, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway,” written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, was introduced in the 1935 movie Gold Diggers of 1935 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song (which your blogger had the fortune to see him in).

About This Version

At the very end of Bennett’s set, in “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” he welcomes Dave Brubeck back on the stage and then says:

We haven’t rehearsed this, so lots of luck, folks.

Joining Tony Bennett on stage were Dave Brubeck, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Tony Bennett suggests “Lullaby of Broadway” and off they go. Lucky for us, it’s all captured on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962.

Lullaby Of Broadway (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

Listen to Lullaby Of Broadway (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck Trio · Song · 2013.

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is available on Apple Music.

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