Burton Lane Archives | Page 3 of 16 | The Year of Tony Bennett

January 17, 2024 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Thursday, January 18, 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” 57 years ago today on January 18, 1967, for his album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans arranged and conducted the entire album. It was the first time they worked together; Bennett and Evans continued to work throughout Bennett’s career, including the albums Duets II, Cheek To Cheek, and Love For Sale.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

October 22, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Monday, October 23, 2023, 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 arranged and conducted the orchestra for this album.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

August 12, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Sunday, August 13, 2023, 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 (with Ralph Sharon on piano, Doug Richeson on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums) recorded their show for MTV Unplugged on April 12, 1994. The concert was released later that year on the album Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged.

The album won two Grammy Awards: Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

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

We’re also happy to include the video of Tony Bennett’s entrance and performance of “Old Devil Moon.”

June 15, 2023 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Moments Like This

The song of the day for Friday, June 16, 2023, is “Moments Like This.”

About This Song

“Moments Like This” was composed by Burton Lane, with lyrics by Frank Loessers, in 1938 for the movie College Swing. 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 upon returning to Columbia Records. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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