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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

July 16, 2015 By Suzanne 1 Comment

Song of the Day: Pennies From Heaven

The song of the day for Thursday, July 16, 2015 is “Pennies From Heaven.”

About This Song

“Pennies From Heaven” was written in 1936 by Arthur Johnson and Johnny Burke. This song was introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1936 film of the same name. It’s one of the classic Great Depression songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this song in 1958 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for their second album, In Person!

Pennies From Heaven

Listen to Pennies From Heaven on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.


“Pennies From Heaven,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Arthur Johnson, Count Basie, In Person!, Johnny Burke

April 20, 2015 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Monday, April 20, 2015 is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written in 1934 by Arthur Johnson (music) and Sam Coslow (lyrics) for the movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. Mae West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

About This Version

Today’s song, “My Old Flame,” is the 11th song from Tony Bennett On Holiday. It features a very nice arrangement with Ralph Sharon backed by Jorge Calandrelli’s orchestra. It starts quite nicely with Bennett singing a cappella, which is always a joy to hear. Even though the tempo is slow, it’s more wistful than sad, and quite lovely.

My Old Flame

Listen to My Old Flame on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1997.


“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Billie Holiday recorded four versions of “My Old Flame” on March 25, 1944 at the WOR recording studios in New York. All four of these versions would up being released at some point, both as singles on the Commodore label and in various collections. Today’s version is MX A4743-1 and was originally released on Commodore 585.

My Old Flame

Listen to My Old Flame on Spotify. Billie Holiday · Song · 1957.

“My Old Flame,” as well as The Complete Commodore and Decca Masters, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Arthur Johnson, Billie Holiday, Sam Coslow, Tony Bennett On Holiday

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