The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: It’s Like Reaching For The Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 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. The song has also been recorded by Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbara Carroll.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s Like Reaching For The Moon” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the orchestras and conducted as well.

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

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Song of the Day: When Do the Bells Ring For Me?

The song of the day for Monday, November 1, 2021, is “When Do the Bells Ring For Me?”

About This Song

“When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” was written in 1989 by Charles DeForest. This song was written by New York cabaret artist DeForest especially for Tony Bennett to sing on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. DeForest got his professional start as a singer for the Benny Goodman Orchestra but soon set out on his own as a performer in piano bars and cabarets in Manhattan. He won several awards for his cabaret work, including those from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets in 1994 and 1996 and the Mabel Mercer Foundation in 1992. Mr. DeForest died in 1992. “When Do The Bells Ring For Me?” became his signature song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” for his 1990 album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. The album was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

“When Do the Bells Ring For Me?” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist is available on Apple Music.

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