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 Tuesday, January 3, 2023, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 947 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 MTV Unplugged. Bennett was accompanied by his trio: Ralph Sharon on piano, Doug Richeson on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

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

We have video of this performance:

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Song of the Day: You’re All The World To Me

The song of the day for Sunday, January 1, 2023, 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 and was released that year on Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

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

And here’s that famous sequence of Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling in Royal Wedding:

As a special treat, this video explains how this was filmed.

For more explanation, see the timeline and more information from the person who figured this out!

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

The song of the day for Friday, September 30, 2022, is “The Lady’s In Love With You.”

About This Song

“The Lady’s In Love With You” was written in 1939, with music by Burton Lane and lyrics by Frank Loesser, for the 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, featuring a terrific arrangement by Marion Evans. It was released on the 1967 album Tony Makes It Happen!.

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

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 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, and was released in 1955 on the album Cloud 7. Chuck Wayne wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 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. After four years of recording pop singles, Cloud 7 was Bennett’s declaration that he was a jazz singer. Chuck Wayne, who played guitar on this album, arranged this song, as well as most of the rest of the songs on the album.

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

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