The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, May 6, 2023, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” on March 1, 1960, for his album Alone Together. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, August 13, 2022, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” on March 1, 1960; the recording was released in 1960 on the album Alone Together. Frank Devol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Poor Butterfly

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 23, 2021, is “Poor Butterfly.”

About This Song

“Poor Butterfly” was written in 1916 by Raymond Hubbell and John Golden. The song was inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly; the verse references the Puccini melody briefly.The song was written for a 1916 Broadway show called The Big Show, where it was introduced by Sophie Bernard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Poor Butterfly” for his 1960 album Alone Together. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Poor Butterfly

Listen to Poor Butterfly on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1961

“Poor Butterfly,” as well as Alone Together, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Thursday, February 13, 2020, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken. However, Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” in 1960 for the album Alone Together. Frank DeVol arranged and conducted the album.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: How Long Has This Been Going On

The song of the day for Monday, September 26, 2016 is “How Long Has This Been Going On.” It also the anniversary of the birth of George Gershwin who was born on September 26, 1898. I’d say it’s been going on for 118 years now and will keep going on for many years.

About This Song

“How Long Has This Been Going On” was written for the 1928 musical Funny Face (originally titled Smarty) by George and Ira Gershwin. However, it was cut from the production and replaced with “He Loves and She Loves.” The song was used the following year for Rosalie, reportedly because producer Florenz Zeigfeld was quite fond of the number. And why not … it’s a wonderful song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “How Long Has This Been Going On” in 1960 for his album Alone Together. The album was arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol.

How Long Has This Been Going On?

Listen to How Long Has This Been Going On? on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1961


“How Long Has This Been Going On,” as well as Alone Together, is available from iTunes.