The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Lady is a Tramp

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote “The Lady is a Tramp” in 1937 for the Broadway musical Babes In Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne. More recently, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga sang a duet of this song on their 2011 album “Duets II.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Lady is a Tramp” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings 10 Rodgers & Hart Songs, released in 1976.

“The Lady is a Tramp,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I Wish I Were In Love Again

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 25, 2022, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in July 1973 for the album Tony Bennett Sings More Great Rodgers & Hart, released in 1977.

“I Wish I Were In Love Again,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songook is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I Wish I Were In Love Again

The song of the day for Sunday, March 13, 2022, is “I Wish I Were In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I Wish I Were In Love Again” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “I Wish I Were In Love Again” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“I Wish I Were In Love Again,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: My Funny Valentine

The song of the day for Thursday, July 8, 2021, is “My Funny Valentine.”

About This Song

“My Funny Valentine” ” was written by Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. This ballad is one of the most-loved songs in the American songbook and has been sung by most jazz and cabaret artists. In addition to Tony Bennett’s excellent recordings of this song, others include those by Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “My Funny Valentine” in 1964 for the album A Time For Love, which was released by Ralph Sharon. This is an exquisite recording of this song, with an excellent arrangement (and piano playing) by Ralph Sharon.

My Funny Valentine

Listen to My Funny Valentine on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1966.

“My Funny Valentine,” as well as A Time For Love is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I Wish I Were in Love Again

The song of the day for Thursday, November 16, 2017 is “I Wish I Were in Love Again.”

About This Song

Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart wrote ” I Wish I Were in Love Again” for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms. It was a favorite song of Judy Garland, who recorded it in 1940. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Audra McDonald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded today’s song in 1973 for his wonderful pair of albums of Rodgers and Hart songs. Today, however, I’m featuring his 1992 recording for Perfectly Frank, arranged by Ralph Sharon.

I adore the Hart lyrics on this song, which have some nifty internal rhymes:

The sleepless nights – the daily fights
The quick toboggan – when you reach the heights
I miss the kisses – and I miss the bites
I wish I were in love again

and

When love congeals – it soon reveals
The faint aroma – of performing seals
The double-crossing – of a pair of heels
I wish I were in love again

I Wish I Were In Love Again

Listen to I Wish I Were In Love Again on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1992.


“I Wish I Were in Love Again,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites