The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Sunday, September 20, 2026, is “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” was written by Duke Ellington in 1940, with lyrics by Bob Russell added later. The music originated as an instrumental from Concerto for Cootie, to highlight Ellington’s lead trumpet player Cootie Williams.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his tribute to Duke Ellington, Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool. The album was timed to be released in 1999, Ellington’s centennial year. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 42nd Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1940 recording of “Do Nothing ‘Till You Hear From Me.” That’s Cootie Williams on trumpet.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington. Originally written as an instrumental, Ellington named the song “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 Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“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: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Thursday, May 1, 2025, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written 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 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 May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

Here’s today’s song played by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Thursday, April 24, 2025, is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy She Calls Me” was written by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell (originally titled “Crazy He Calls Me) in 1949. 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” in June 1996 for his album Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

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

Here’s Billie Holiday’s 1949 recording of “Crazy He Calls Me.”

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

The song of the day for Sunday, April 6, 2025, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written by Duke Ellington as an instrumental in 1940 and named “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 arrangements and conducted the album.

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as , is available on Apple Music.