The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Get a Kick Out of You

The song of the day for Thursday, November 25, 2021, is “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

About This Song

“I Get a Kick Out of You” was written by Cole Porter for his 1934 musical Anything Goes, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s been popular since then and has been recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, Max Roach and many more. The original lyrics reference the use of cocaine (I get no kick from cocaine), and that particular line in the lyric is often rewritten, often to champagne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Get a Kick Out of You” for their 2021 album Love For Sale. This song was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“I Get a Kick Out of You” is nominated for Record of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Music Video for the 2022 Grammy Awards. Love For Sale is nominated for both Album of the Year, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. The Year of Tony Bennett congratulates Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, and Dae Bennett on their nominations.

“I Get a Kick Out of You,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that Grammy-nominated music video!

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Song of the Day: You’re The Top

The song of the day for Saturday, October 30, 2021, is “You’re The Top.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “You’re The Top” for his 1934 musical You’re The Top, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s one of Porter’s best list songs. Wikipedia has a handy guide for the people and items mentioned in the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “You’re The Top” in 2021 for their album Love For Sale.

“You’re The Top,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Get a Kick Out of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 26, 2021, is “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

About This Song

“I Get a Kick Out of You” was written for Porter’s 1934 musical Anything Goes, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s been popular since then and has been recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, Max Roach, and many more. The original lyrics reference the use of cocaine (I get no kick from cocaine), and that particular line in the lyric is often rewritten, often to champagne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Get a Kick Out of You” for their 2021 album Love For Sale. The arrangement is by Marion Evans, who conducted the big band. They are also accompanied by The Tony Bennett Quartet.

“I Get a Kick Out of You,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It’s De-Lovely

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 6, 2021, is “It’s De-Lovely.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “It’s De-Lovely” in 1936 for the musical Red, Hot and Blue, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman and Bob Hope. It was also used in the 1956 film version of Anything Goes, where it was sung by Donald O’Connor and Mitzi Gaynor. The song has been used in recent revivals of Anything Goes.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “It’s De-Lovely” for their 2021 album Love For Sale, with The Brian Newman Quintet. Daniel Foose, a member of that quintet, did the rhythm arrangement.

It"s De-Lovely

Listen to It"s De-Lovely on Spotify. Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · Song · 2021.

“It’s De-Lovely,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Anything Goes

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 9, 2021, is “Anything Goes.”

About Today

Today we are honoring the great Cole Porter, who was born 130 years ago today, June 9, 1891, in Peru, Indiana.

About This Song

“Anything Goes” was written by Cole Porter in 1934 for the musical of the same name. In Anything Goes, Cole Porter and book writers Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse created one of the great musical comedy characters of all time: Reno Sweeney, played by Ethel Merman in the original 1934 production. The score contains many of Porter’s most popular songs, including “I Get a Kick Out You,” “You’re The Top,” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Anything Goes” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Anything Goes (From "Anything Goes") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Anything Goes (From "Anything Goes") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Anything Goes,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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