The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 8, 2019, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Originally written as an instrumental in 1940, 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” for his 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen! The excellent arrangement is by the great Marion Evans.

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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

About Today

Hello readers! I have a short business trip starting for a few days. I’ll be back in time for the Saturday post.

If you’re missing Tony Bennett music, check out one of the recent playlists of the week.

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

The song of the day for Sunday, April 8, 2018 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Originally written as an instrumental in 1940, Duke Ellington named his 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

I chose to indulge myself a bit today: a great song by Duke Ellington; a swinging arrangement by the wonderful Marion Evans; and the great Tony Bennett, singing like nobody’s business from 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! A trifecta of joy for the Year of Tony Bennett.

Don"t Get Around Much Anymore

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


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

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

The song of the day for Saturday, August 5, 2017 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was composed 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 first recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” in 1967 for Tony Makes It Happen! It arranged by the great Marion Evans.

Don"t Get Around Much Anymore

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


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

About Today

Our Saturday video is from a 1981 television special with Tony Bennett and Count Basie and His Orchestra singing today’s song.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 13, 2017 is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

Originally called “Crazy He Calls Me,” this song was written in 1949 by Carl Sigman and Bob Russell; it is widely associated with Billie Holiday, but has been sung by many artists, including 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, which was released in 1997.

Crazy She Calls Me

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997


“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 7, 2016 is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

As with most Ellington songs, the tune for “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written first in 1940 and the lyrics by Bob Russell were 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

I’ve had Ellington music running through my head all day, and so the biggest decision I had to make was which Ellington tune. I hope you like my choice. Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool. The arrangement is by Jorge Calandrelli.

Do Nothin" Till You Hear From Me

Listen to Do Nothin" Till You Hear From Me on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1999


“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

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