The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Somebody Loves Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, is “Somebody Loves Me.”

About This Song

“Somebody Loves Me” was written by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ballard MacDonald and Buddy DeSylva, for the 1924 George White’s Scandals. It has been widely recorded since its first publication, with recordings from 1924. Significant recordings include those by Dinah Shore, Lena Horne, Diana Washington, Peggy Lee, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and many more.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “Somebody Loves Me” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. Krall and Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement.

Love Is Here To Stay won the 61st Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“Somebody Loves Me,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Do It Again

The song of the day for Saturday, March 25, 2023, is “Do It Again.”

About This Song

“Do It Again” was written in 1922 by George Gershwin and Buddy DeSylva. Gershwin was in a meeting with his publisher, Max Dreyfus when DeSylva walked in and said “Let’s write a hit!” Gershwin started composing on the spot. DeSylva listened for a few minutes and then sang “Oh, do it again.” Gershwin played the song at parties when it was heard by Irene Bordoni, who wanted to perform it in her show The French Doll. It’s been widely recorded, including a wonderful Judy Garland recording from her 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, released on Judy at Carnegie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “Do It Again” for their album Love Is Here To Stay. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“Do It Again,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Saturday, September 3, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling at Trouble” on April 22, 1963, for the album This Is All I Ask. Ralph Burns arranged and conducted the album.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as This Is All I Ask is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 27, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling At Trouble” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. The very fine arrangement was written by Ralph Burns.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Look For The Silver Lining

The song of the day for Sunday, December 26. 2021, is “Look For The Silver Lining.”

About This Song

“Look For The Silver Lining” was written in 1919 by Jerome Kern and B.G. (Buddy) DeSylva for a failed musical called Zip, Goes a Million. It was later used in the musical Sally, where it was sung by Marilyn Miller and became more popular.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Look For The Silver Lining” for his 2015 album The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement; Charlap and Renee Rosnes accompanied Bennett for this recording.

“Look For The Silver Lining,” as well as The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern is available on Apple Music.