The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: A Child Is Born

Today is the twelfth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas.
The song of the day for Sunday, December 25, 2016 is “The song of the day for is “A Child Is Born.”

About This Song

“A Child Is Born” was written in 1969, with music by Thad Jones and lyrics by Alec Wilder. Thad Jones, brother of drummer Elvin Jones, was a member of the Count Basie Orchestra starting in 1954. He left the orchestra in 1963 to pursue a career as an arranger and studio trumpet player and later moved to Denmark. “A Child Is Born” is his best known composition with the wonderful lyrics by Alec Wilder.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “A Child Is Born” in 1976 for their second album, Together Again, released in 1977.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5DqobGKm29qWFJxFCzVrFO/embed]
“A Child Is Born,” as well as Together Again, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It’s So Peaceful In The Country

The song of the day for Monday, April 18, 2016 is “It’s So Peaceful In The Country.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “It’s So Peaceful In The Country,” was written by Alec Wilder ca. 1941. He wrote it for the singer Mildred Bailey, who recorded it in 1941. Wilder was a great friend to singers Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. He was an admirer of jazz musicians for their ability to improvise. His book, American Popular Song, is easily the most important book ever written about the American songbook.

About This Version

Tony Bennett originally recorded “It’s So Peaceful In The Country” in 1957 for his album The Beat Of My Heart. However, it was only used on that album for the CD re-release some years later. It is definitely worth the wait. Tony sings this song so tenderly and beautifully.

It"s So Peacefull In the Country

Listen to It"s So Peacefull In the Country on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1957


“It’s So Peaceful In The Country,” as well as the Beat Of My Heart, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 16, 2016 is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “While We’re Young,” was written in 1944 by Alec Wilder, Morty Palitz and William Engvick. It was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that “The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!” “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “While We’re Young” early in his career, in 1951. Today’s recording is his other recording, from a live club appearance in Buffalo, New York and released on Tony Bennett, The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music on Tony’s own Improv label.

While We"re Young - Live

Listen to While We"re Young - Live on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004


“While We’re Young,” as well as Tony Bennett: The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Alec Wilder was born 109 years ago today, February 16, 1907 in Rochester, New York. He was a member of a prominent family, though he was unhappy enough as a teenager to hire a lawyer and become an emancipated minor and also gained part of the family fortune. He studied composition with professors at the Eastman School of Music, though he was never enrolled nor received a degree.

Wilder’s career is fascinating in that it spanned both popular and classical music. He was a great friend to many of the 20th century’s greatest singers: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Mabel Mercer and Peggy Lee. He also wrote the pre-eminent American Popular Song, the most important, complete and well-written book on the American Songbook. At the same time, he composed classical music, musicals, film music, opera and art songs.

The Year of Tony Bennett is pleased to remember the great Alec Wilder on his birthday.

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Song of the Day: A Child Is Born

On the twelfth day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, Friday, December 25, 2015, the song of the day is “A Child Is Born.”

About This Song

“A Child Is Born” was written in 1969 by Thad Jones, whose younger brother, Elvin, was a noted jazz drummer. Thad Jones was a member of the Count Basie Orchestra starting in 1954. He left the orchestra in 1963 to pursue a career as an arranger and studio trumpet player and later moved to Denmark. “A Child Is Born” is his best known composition; the wonderful lyrics are by Alec Wilder.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “A Child Is Born” in 1976 for their second, and final, album: Together Again.

A Child Is Born - Remastered 2003

Listen to A Child Is Born - Remastered 2003 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · 1977


“A Child Is Born,” as well as , is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: While We’re Young

The song of the day for Friday, October 9, 2015 is “While We’re Young.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “While We’re Young,” was written in 1944 by Alec Wilder and Morty Palitz (music) and William Engvick (lyrics). It was first recorded in 1944 by the Fred Waring Singers and again in 1949 by Meredith Willson (who wrote The Music Man) and his Orchestra. Peggy Lee also recorded the song in 1949, but not to Wilder’s liking. Marion McPartland quotes Wilder as telling Miss Lee that ‘The next time you come to the bridge (of the song), jump off!’ “While We’re Young” remains popular in the American songbook, having been recently recorded by Jane Monheit and Ben Sidron.

About This Version

This song was recorded live in May 1977 with Marian and Jimmy McPartland and other musicians. It was released on Improv as Tony Bennett/The McPartlands and Friends Make Magnificent Music. It was the last album released on Improv.

While We"re Young - Live

Listen to While We"re Young - Live on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 2004


“While We’re Young,” as well as The Complete Improv Recordings, is available from iTunes.