The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Trav’lin’ Light

The song of the day for Saturday, December 28, 2024, is “Trav’lin’ Light.”

About This Song

“Trav’lin’ Light” was composed in 1942 by Trummy Young and Jimmy Mundy, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The song was introduced by Billie Holiday with The Paul Whiteman Orchestra in 1942. “Trav’lin’ Light” has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn, and Anita O’Day, among many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Trav’lin’ Light” in June 1966 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released, in 1977. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“Trav’lin’ Light,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1942 recording by The Paul Whiteman Orchestra with Billie Holiday:

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Song of the Day: My Old Flame

The song of the day for Friday, September 13, 2024, is “My Old Flame.”

About This Song

“My Old Flame” was written in 1934 by Arthur Johnston and Sam Coslaw. The song was written for the movie Belle of the Nineties, which starred Mae West. West was an ardent Duke Ellington fan and insisted that he and his orchestra be hired to do the film and accompany her when she sang it.

Billie Holiday recorded “My Old Flame” for Commodore Records in 1944.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Old Flame” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1977. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“My Old Flame,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Lady Day’s 1944 recording of “My Old Flame.”

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Song of the Day: Lover Man

The song of the day for Saturday, July 6, 2024, is “Lover Man.”

About This Song

“Lover Man” was written in 1941 by Jimmy Davis, Roger “Ram” Ramirez, and James Sherman for Billie Holiday. Her recording of “Lover Man” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1989. Other significant recordings include those by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Evans and Stan Getz, Charlie Parker, and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Lover Man” on April 4, 1961, for his 1961 album My Heart Sings. The entire album was arramged and conducted by Ralph Burns.

“Lover Man,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1946 recording of “Love Man,” recorded Billie Holiday:

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Song of the Day: I Wished On The Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, June 16, 2024, is “I Wished On The Moon.”

About This Song

“I Wished On The Moon” was written in 1935 by Ralph Rainger and Dorothy Parker (yes, that Dorothy Parker). This song was first recorded in 1935 by Ruth Etting. Bing Crosby sang in The Big Broadcast of 1936. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Billie Holiday, Art Pepper, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Wished On The Moon” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“I Wished On The Moon,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Billie Holiday’s 1995 recording of “I Wished On The Moon.” She sings the seldom-heard verse, as did Tony Bennett on his recording:

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 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. The song was first recorded in 1936 by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson and His Orchestra and was a big 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” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. 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 Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson recording from 1936: