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 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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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.

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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.

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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.”