The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, October 27, 2024, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” live on April 12, 1994, for the television program MTV Unplugged. The resulting album, MTV Unplugged, was released in June 1994. The album won two 1994 Grammy Awards: Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: You’re All the World to Me

The song of the day for Saturday, August 17, 2024, is “You’re All the World to Me.”

About This Song

“You’re All the World to Me” was written by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner for the 1951 MGM musical Royal Wedding, starring Fred Astaire. Astaire performed this song in one of the most famous shots in all of musical film: the dancing on the ceiling number.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “You’re All the World to Me” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs made famous by Fred Astaire. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“You’re All the World to Me,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the famous Dancing on the Ceiling number from Royal Wedding.

If you’re interested, this clip shows how this number was filmed.

You can read in more detail about how this was accomplished! It includes a film of how the director of Royal Wedding, Stanely Donan, recreated the number for Lionel Richie and the video of his 1986 album Dancing on the Ceiling.

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Song of the Day: Moments Like This

The song of the day for Friday, April 26, 2024, is “Moments Like This.”

About This Song

“Moments Like This” was written by Burton Lane (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for a 1938 movie called College Swing and was introduced by Florence George. Early recordings include those by Maxine Sullivan, Teddy Wilson, and Dick Stabile and His Orchestra. Later recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Bobby Short, and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Moments Like This” in January 1986 for The Art of Excellence, his first album after returning to Columbia Records. The song was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli. The great cover was photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

“Moments Like This,” as well as The Art of Excellence, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Friday, March 15, 2024, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song, he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” on August 6, 1954, for his first LP album, Cloud 7, which was released in 1955. It was arranged by Chuck Wayne, who also played guitar for the album.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Lady’s In Love With You

The song of the day for Thursday, February 8, 2024, is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was written by Burton Lane (music) and Frank Loesser (lyrics) for the 1939 film Some Like It Hot (not to be confused with the excellent 1959 Billy Wilder film), where it was introduced by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. It’s been widely recorded, including those by Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Margaret Whiting, and Michael Feinstein.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Lady’s In Love With You” on January 12, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans arranged the album and conducted the orchestra.

“The Lady’s In Love With You,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

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