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 Monday, August 18, 2025, 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, starring 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 that song for the film.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his tribute to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett on Holiday, released in 1977. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” in 1944:

Here’s the 1934 recording from Belle of the Nineties, with Mae West and Duke Ellington:

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Song of the Day: Pennies From Heaven

The song of the day for Sunday, March 23, 2024, is “Pennies From Heaven.”

About This Song

“Pennies From Heaven” was written in 1936 by Arthur Johnston and Johnny Burke. The 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, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Pennies From Heaven” on December 30, 1958, for the 1959 album In Person! It was originally planned to be a live album and was recorded on November 28, 1958, at the Latin Casino in Philadelphia. However, the tape from the concert had poor quality and couldn’t be used, so the entire album was re-recorded at the CBS 30th Street Studio.

“Pennies From Heaven,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Friday, September 13, 2024, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written in 1934 by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslaw. The song was written for the 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.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” for Commodore Records in 1944.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Here’s Lady Day’s 1944 recording of “My Old Flame.”

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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.