The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Sunday, September 10, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow in 1934. Today’s song was written 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

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album in tribute to Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” in 1944:

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Monday, July 10, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the 1934 movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. 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

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album in tribute to Billie Holiday — Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” in 1934.

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Thursday, June 1, 2023, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow in 1934 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

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his album dedicated to the music of Billie Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording of “My Old Flame” from 1944:

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 8, 2021, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written in 1934 by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslow for the movie Belle of the Nineties, starring Mae West. 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. The song has become a jazz standard with recordings by Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the Mae West recording of My Old Flame from 1934!

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Song of the Day: Pennies From Heaven

The song of the day for Friday, June 25, 2021, is “Pennies From Heaven.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Pennies From Heaven” at Carnegie Hall concert on June 9, 1962, captured on album Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Pennies from Heaven (From "Pennies from Heaven") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

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

“Pennies From Heaven,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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