The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Saturday, December 3, 2022, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1933 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 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“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: Speak Low

The song of the day for Friday, December 2, 2022, is “Speak Low.”

About This Song

“Speak Low” was written by Kurt Weill and Ogden Nash for the 1943 musical One Touch of Venus, where it was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker. In addition to several very fine Tony Bennett recordings, “Speak Low” has been widely recorded by jazz and popular performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Speak Low” in May 1989 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It’s Like Reaching for the Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, December 1, 2022, is “It’s Like Reaching for the Moon.”

About This Song

“It’s Like Reaching for the Moon” was written in 1936 by Al Sherman, Al Lewis, and Gerald Marquesee. This song was first recorded by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra in 1936 and was a hit for her. Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbara Carroll have also recorded today’s song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Like Reaching for the Moon” in May 1989 and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“It’s Like Reaching for the Moon,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording by Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson:

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

The song of the day for Friday, March 11, 2022, 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; 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” for his 1990 autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist. 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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Song of the Day: The Folks That Live On The Hill

The song of the day for Thursday, November 4, 2021, 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 II 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; 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” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. 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.