The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So

The song of the day for Sunday, March 22, 2026, is “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington and Mack David. Ellington and Al Hibbler recorded the song first on November 26, 1945. Other notable recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, and Mose Allison.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the big band.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1945 of “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” with Al Hibbler:

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So and So

The song of the day for Monday, November 176 2025, is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington and Mack David. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Mose Allison, and Harry “Sweets” Edison with Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler, recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” on November 26, 1945.

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Song of the Day: I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So

The song of the day for Thursday, July 3, 2025, is “I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” was written by Duke Ellington and Mack David in 1945. This song has been widely recorded by artists including Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” live on June 294, 1962, at his Carnegie Hall concert. An abbreviated version of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released on two LPs in August 24, 1962; a more complete version was released on CD in 1997.

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

“I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” was first recorded by Duke Ellington and Al Hibbler on November 24, 1945.

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Monday, January 23, 2023, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1943, with Al Hibbler on vocals, and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calendrelli.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1943 recording by Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler on vocals.