The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 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 the song that same year and 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” in 1989 for his album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, which was released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted the album.

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

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Playlist of the Week: Tony Loves a Gershwin Tune

The playlist for the week of September 22, 2019, is Tony Loves a Gershwin Tune. This week we are celebrating the birth of the great George Gershwin, who was born on September 26, 1989 in Brooklyn. Working most often with his brother Ira Gershwin, Gershwin wrote many of the most beloved songs from the American Songbook.

Our playlist this weekend is bookended by the song “Fascinatin’ Rhythm.” The first is a demo Bennett recorded in 1949; the second is a duet with Diana Krall from their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay.

All lyrics written by Ira Gershwin unless otherwise noted.

Fascinatin’ Rhythm from Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1
Strike Up the Band from Basie Swings, Tony Sings
I Got Rhythm from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
The Girl I Love from Astoria: Portrait of the Artist
Shall We Dance from Steppin’ Out
Who Cares? from Steppin’ Out
They Can’t Take That Away From Me from Steppin’ Out
He Loves and She Loves from Steppin’ Out
I’ve Got a Crush On You from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
Love is Here to Stay from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
Do It Again (lyrics by Buddy DeSylva) from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
Nice Work If You Can Get It from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
Somebody Loves Me (lyrics by Buddy DeSylva and Ballard MacDonald) from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall
Fascinating Rhythm from Love is Here to Stay, with Diana Krall

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Song of the Day: Speak Low

The song of the day for Thursday, August 22, 2019, 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 recordings by Tony Bennett, “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 this version of “Speak Low” in 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. The very nice arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Speak Low,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Friday, July 12, 2019, is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. This song was written 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.

We’ve chosen this song today to honor the great Oscar Hammerstein, who was born as Oscar Greeley Clendenning Ritter von Hammerstein II on July 12, 1895; he died in 1960. His career as a lyricist took off when he worked with Jerome Kern in 1928 with their collaboration on Show Boat. Many years later, Hammerstein’s wife Dorothy bristled when she heard a remark that Jerome Kern had written “Ol’ Man River.” “Indeed not,” she retorted. “Jerome Kern wrote ‘dum, dum, dum-dum.’ My husband wrote ‘Ol’ Man River’.”

After the death of Larry Hart, Hammerstein teamed up with Richard Rodgers for a string of musicals that defined mid-century America, including Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. In addition to the lyrics for these musicals, Hammerstein also wrote the book. In addition to this, he was a mentor to a young high school student named Stephen Sondheim.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Folks That Live on the Hill” for his 1990 autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. Jorge Callandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Folks That Live On The Hill

The Folks That Live On The Hill, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 1, 2019, is “The Folks That Live on the Hill.”

About This Song

“The Folks That Live on the Hill” was written in 1937 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, for the movie High, Wide, and Handsome. 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” in 1989 for his 1990 autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. This album covers the years after Mr. Bennett returned from his tour of service in Europe for World War II as he was readjusting from the war and pursuing his dream to be a singer. I think it’s a remarkable album.

The Folks That Live On The Hill

The Folks That Live On The Hill, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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