The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Keep Smiling At Trouble

The song of the day for Monday, May 7. 2024, is “Keep Smiling At Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling At Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Keep Smiling At Trouble” on April 20, 1967, for his album For Once In My Life. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Keep Smiling At Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Saturday, September 3, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling at Trouble” on April 22, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns arranged and conducted the album.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as This Is All I Ask is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 27, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling At Trouble” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. The very fine arrangement was written by Ralph Burns.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye

The song of the day for Wednesday, Ju e 16, 2021, is “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye.”

About This Song

“Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” was written in 1922 by Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman, Ted Fiorito, and Dan Russo, The song is best known by its appearance in The Jazz Singer, the first “talking picture” that revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking overnight. “Toot, Toot Tootsie” was sung by Al Jolson, playing the role of a young jazz singer known as Jack Robin nee Jakie Rabinowitz.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” for his 1961 album My Heart Sings, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Burns. He sang it at his June 9, 1962 performance at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Toot Toot Tootsie (Goodbye) (From "Bombo") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Toot Toot Tootsie (Goodbye) (From "Bombo") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

“Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Keep Smiling At Trouble

The song of the day for Thursday, May 27, 2021, is “Keep Smiling At Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling At Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. It was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Keep Smiling At Trouble” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

Keep Smiling At Trouble (Trouble"s A Bubble)

Listen to Keep Smiling At Trouble (Trouble"s A Bubble) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“Keep Smiling At Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available from Apple Music.