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 A Sin To Tell A Lie

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 24, 2024, is “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie.”

About This Song

“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” was written by Billy Mayhew in 1936 and was originally introduced by Fats Waller. It’s been recorded by artists from Billie Holiday to Steve Goodman to Slim Whitman to Patti Page. And, of course, Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. The Ralph Sharon Trio accompanied Bennett on this album, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. Sharon also wrote the arrangement.

“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie

The song of the day for Monday, January 30, 2017 is “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie.”

About This Song

“It’s a Sin To Tell a Lie” was written in 1936 by Billy Mathew and was introduced by Fats Waller. The song has been recorded by artists from Billie Holiday to Steve Goodman to Slim Whitman to Patti Page. And, of course, Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio, featuring Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums, for the album When Lights Are Low. This is how I love Tony Bennett best: a great jazz song played with an impeccable trio or quartet.

It"s A Sin To Tell A Lie

Listen to It"s A Sin To Tell A Lie on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964


“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 20, 2013 is “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie.”

About This Song

“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” was written in 1936 by Billy Mayhew. Fats Waller made the first recording of this song and it has remained identified with him (it was featured in the 1978 musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’). It was also recorded by Slim Whitman. (I promise that I have not, on purpose, chosen two jazz songs in a row that were also recorded by Slim Whitman.) More traditional recordings include those by Billie Holiday, Patti Page and The Ink Spots.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low. Bennett recorded this album with just the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums. I like this album very much, perhaps because it brings to mind Bennett’s live performances with his current quartet. His voice with these small jazz combos is really quite wonderful. There are many fine songs on this album in addition to to today’s song: “Speak Low,” “I’ve Got Just About Everything” and my personal favorite song of Tony’s — “The Rules of the Road.”

http://open.spotify.com/track/3cFPZOvrPdyjmZSoXh09Db
“It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie,” as well as the album When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes and Amazon.