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 Monday, October 6, 2025, 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 American 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 Cloud 7, his first LP album, released in 1955. Chuck Wayne, who played guitar on the album, wrote the arrangement.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Cloud 7, 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 Friday, September 5, 2025, 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 June 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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

Steppin’ Out won the 1994 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Here’s Astaire’s performance of “You’re All The World To Me” from Royal Wedding:

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 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 January 18, 1967, for Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.

“Old Devil Moon” 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 Monday, March 3, 2025, 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 January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! 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 Friday, February 28, 2025, 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” live on April 12, 1994, for his appearance on Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged. The songs from the televised concert were arranged by Tony Bennett and the Ralph Sharon Trio.

Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged won two 1994 Grammy Awards: Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“You’re All the World to Me,” as well as Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

And, of course, the dancing on the ceiling dance number.