The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Thursday, June 24, 2021, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written in 1940 by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Taking a Chance on Love” on June 9, 1962, at his Carnegie Hall concert, recorded for the album Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall. Prior to the concert, Bennett had recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” twice: in 1956 the album Tony and again in 1958 with The Count Basie Orchestra for In Person!

Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love (From "Cabin In The Sky") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Friday, April 9, 2021, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, John La Touche, and Ted Fetter for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1958 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the album In Person!, released in 1959.

Taking A Chance On Love

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Happiness is a Thing Called Joe

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 3, 2020, is “Happiness is a Thing Called Joe.”

About This Song

“Happiness is a Thing Called Joe” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, starring Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song was introduced by Ethel Waters, sung to her husband Joe, played by Dooley Wilson. The 1943 film version of Cabin in the Sky also featured Miss Waters with the role of Joe played by Eddie Anderson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Happiness is a Thing Called Joe” in 1959 with Ralph Sharon for their landmark album Tony Sings For Two, released in 1962.

Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

Listen to Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“Happiness is a Thing Called Joe,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life and music of William James Basie, who was born in Red Bank, New Jersey, on August 21, 1904. In addition to his fine work on the piano, Count Basie was one of best and longest-lasting big band leaders. He founded the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and that orchestra is still playing today. Some of America’s finest jazz musicians played with Basie, including Buck Clayton, Lester Young, Thad Jones, Jo J0nes, Buddy Rich, and Paul Gonsalves are just a few of former members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Harold Jones, called Count Basie’s favorite drummer, currently plays in Tony Bennett’s quartet.

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 BRoadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” in 1958 for his second album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, In Person!, released in 1959. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Taking A Chance On Love

Listen to Taking A Chance On Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1959.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

The song of the day for Saturday, February 13, 2016 is “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1943 film version of Cabin in the Sky featured Miss Waters with the role of Joe played by Eddie Anderson. The song not used in the original Broadway version of Cabin in the Sky, produced in 1941.

As we speak, Encores! at the New York City Center is producing a staged concert version of the original score of Cabin in the Sky (and to rave reviews). For this presentation, and with the permission of all the estates associated with the Broadway production, “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” was used in this concert version. I still have my fingers crossed for a recording.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with only Ralph Sharon on piano, recorded “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” in 1959 for the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in 1961.

Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe

Listen to Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.


“Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our video today is Ethel Waters singing “Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe” to her husband, played by Eddie Anderson. And yes, that’s Butterfly McQueen at the very beginning.

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