The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Monday, January 23, 2023, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1943, with Al Hibbler on vocals, and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calendrelli.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1943 recording by Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler on vocals.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 4, 2022, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington as an instrumental with the title “Never No Lament.” Bob Russell’s lyrics came in 1942 and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the very fine arrangement.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Monday, March 7, 2022, is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy She Calls Me” (originally “Crazy He Calls Me”) was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell. In addition to Billie Holiday’s recording of this song, it has also been recorded by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Crazy She Calls Me” for his 1997 tribute to Billy Holiday: Tony Bennett On Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billy Holiday’s recording from her album Lover Man.

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Saturday, March 5, 2022, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington and Bob Russell in 1940. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1944 and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1944 recording of today’s song:

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Friday, May 14, 2021, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. Originally written as an instrumental, Ellington named the song “Never No Lament.” Russell’s lyrics came in 1942 and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen! The wonderful Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

Don"t Get Around Much Anymore

Listen to Don"t Get Around Much Anymore on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from Apple Music.

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