The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Thursday, November 7, 2024, is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, released in 1999. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted this song, as well as the entire album.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Friday, August 9, 2024, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written in 1933 by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet

The song of the day for Saturday, June 15, 2024, is “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet.”

About This Song

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” was written by Harry Woods and Gus Kahn in 1932. This song was first recorded by Ruth Etting the year it was written. Other significant recordings include those by Al Bowlly with the Ray Noble Orchestra, The Lennon Sisters, and Nat “King” Cole

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” on May 16, 1989, and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Thursday, February 29, 2024, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it in 1957 for her album The Man I Love, conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live on the Hill” on May 18, 1989, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Sunday, November 19, 2023, is “The Folks That Live On The Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live On The Hill” was written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein for the 1937 movie High, Wide, and Handsome, where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Bing Crosby recorded it that same year. Peggy Lee recorded it 1957 for her album The Man I Love; it was conducted by Frank Sinatra. Other recordings include those by Diana Krall, Jo Stafford and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live On The Hill” on May 18, 1989, for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“The Folks That Live On The Hill,” as well as AStoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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