The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, April 18, 2021, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Rules of the Road” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, with the Ralph Sharon Trio, consisting of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

The Rules Of The Road

Listen to The Rules Of The Road on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Just About Everything

The song of the day for Monday, April 12, 2021, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

Written by the marvelous jazz pianist and composer Bob Dorough, “I’ve Got Just About Everything” is a true joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Forty/Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett says that “this one explains how a singer feels when he sings a song everyone likes.” This song has been recorded by composer Dorough, Ann Hampton Calloway, and even Tuck and Patti.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low, featuring a Ralph Sharon arrangement. The Ralph Sharon Trio backs Bennett on this album, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. Gaylord’s bass is especially good on this cut.

I’ve Got Just About Everything

Listen to I’ve Got Just About Everything on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Love For Sale

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 5, 2020, is “Love For Sale.”

About This Song

“Love For Sale” was written by Cole Porter in 1930 for his Broadway musical The New Yorkers. The song was sung by a prostitute advertising her services. The song was considered rather scandalous at the time. In fact, for the production of The New Yorkers, it was supposed to be sung by the white star Kathryn Crawford, but the song was assigned to an African-American singer instead. In spite of being banned from play on the radio, “Love For Sale” has had many fine recordings, including those by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and Miles Davis

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love For Sale” in 1957 for his third album, The Beat of My Heart. Ralph Sharon had just been hired as Bennett’s pianist and musical director; together they conceived the album. In addition to creating a very good jazz band for the album, they brought in percussionists to play as well. “Love for Sale” featured Candido, Sabu, and Bennett’s regular drummer, Billy Exiner.

Love for Sale

Listen to Love for Sale on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1957.

“Love For Sale,” as well as The Beat of My Heart, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Judy

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 28, 2020, is “Judy.”

About This Song

“Judy” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Lerner in 1929. Written in the early part of Carmichael’s career, “Judy” is love song that some thought was a little too worldly-wise; in fact, even though written in 1929, it wasn’t published until 1934. Early recordings came from the Dorsey Brothers, Lionel Hampton, and Bob Chester. Other recordings include those by Louis Prima, Frankie Laine, and, of course, Tony Bennett. It is said to have been a favorite song of the young performer Frances Gumm, who changed her name to Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Judy” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and played by his trio. The trio consisted of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on bass.

Judy – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Judy – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“Judy,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, October 16, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for When Lights Are Low. In addition to Sharon on piano, the trio consisted of Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

I have to confess that I love this song. According to my content management system, this is the 21st time I’ve featured this song in the life of the blog. I guess you could say that I do like it a lot.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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