The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Monday, August 10, 2015 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Duke Ellington originally wrote this song in 1940 as an instrumental 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 has recorded this song several times, including his duet with Michael Bublé on Duets II. This version, arranged by Marion Evans, is his first: from 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen!

About Today

Happy to report that at long last I’m starting to feel like myself after a couple of rough months. It’s great to be back!

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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 28, 2015 is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy He Calls Me” was written in 1949 with music by Carl Sigman and lyrics by Bob Russell. The song was written for and introduced by Billie Holiday the year was written. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Naturally, Bennett changes “she” to “he.” Other than that, this recording echoes Holiday’s recording quite nicely. The arrangement features the great piano of Ralph Sharon with the subtle Calandrelli strings in the background.

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.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Billie Holiday recorded “Crazy He Calls Me” on October 19, 1949 in New York with Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra. “Crazy He Calls Me” (MX W75422-A) was released on Decca 24796 with “You’re My Thrill.” The musicians for the session were Gordon Jenkins (conductor), Bernie Leighton (piano), John Fulton (clarinet, flute, tenor sax), Milt Yaner (clarinet, alto sax), Bobby Hackett (cornet), Jack Lesberg (bass), and Bunny Shawker (drums).

Crazy He Calls Me - Single Version

Listen to Crazy He Calls Me - Single Version on Spotify. Song · Billie Holiday · 2009


“Crazy He Calls Me,” as well as The Complete Commodore and Decca Masters, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Friday, February 27, 2015 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 and makes for a delicious dichotomy.

About This Version

Today’s version is Tony Bennett’s first version of “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” recorded in 1967. It was arranged by Marion Evans, who arranged all of the songs on Tony Makes It Happen! It’s a very fine arrangement and was used on the Duets II version with Michael Bublé.

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.

By 1 Comment

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 4, 2014 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington wrote this tune in 1940; it was originally called “Never No Lament.” In 1942, Bob Russell wrote the lyric and the title became “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

The Ink Spots made a very successful recording of the song in 1943; Ellington recorded an instrumental version that same year. With vocalist Al Hibbler, Ellington recorded the song with vocals in 1947.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” in 1967 for his album Tony Makes It Happen! (The album title is the answer to the fourth song on the album: “What Makes It Happen?”). The album was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans and produced by Howard Roberts. He recorded a new version in 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool; he went on to record it with Michael Bublé on Duets II and Miguel Bose on Viva Duets. The documentary film The Zen of Bennett has a long scene on the recording of this song with Bublé for Duets II.

http://open.spotify.com/track/491ebIOXElVbEqQgzVILO2
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Monday, September 9, 2013 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. Bob Russell added the lyrics in 1942.

About This Version

Today’s version is the duet version with Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé from Duets II. As today is Mr. Bublé’s birthday, we are happy to present their duet today. Happy Birthday, Michael Bublé!

http://open.spotify.com/track/6RjvMuSa4ZCqPueIIO4IBs
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as the album Duets II, is available from iTunes and Amazon.com.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites