The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Funny Thing

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 9, 2015 is “Funny Thing.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Funny Thing,” was composed by Jimmy Van Heusen (as Arthur Williams) with lyrics by Carl Sigman.

In his autobiography, The Good Life, Tony Bennett wrote “I was especially fond of a song I recorded that year called “Funny Thing,” which was credited to the excellent lyricist Carl Sigman and a little-known composer named ‘Arthur Williams.’ Actually, ‘Arthur Williams’ was a pseudonym for publishing reasons by the great tunesmith and my great friend Jimmy Van Heusen. … I thought “Funny Thing” was a great song and a likely hit, and I was disappointed when it didn’t go anywhere.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Funny Thing” on September 24, 1954. The song was arranged and conducted by Percy Faith. It was released as single on November 8, 1954 with “Shoo-Gah (My Pretty Sugar)” on the flip side.

Funny Thing

Tony Bennett · The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3 · Song · 2011


“Funny Thing,” as well as all of the songs collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Crazy She Calls Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 28, 2015 is “Crazy She Calls Me.”

About This Song

“Crazy He Calls Me” was written in 1949 with music by Carl Sigman and lyrics by Bob Russell. The song was written for and introduced by Billie Holiday the year was written. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin.

About This Version

Naturally, Bennett changes “she” to “he.” Other than that, this recording echoes Holiday’s recording quite nicely. The arrangement features the great piano of Ralph Sharon with the subtle Calandrelli strings in the background.

Crazy She Calls Me

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997


“Crazy She Calls Me,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

About Billie Holiday’s Version

Billie Holiday recorded “Crazy He Calls Me” on October 19, 1949 in New York with Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra. “Crazy He Calls Me” (MX W75422-A) was released on Decca 24796 with “You’re My Thrill.” The musicians for the session were Gordon Jenkins (conductor), Bernie Leighton (piano), John Fulton (clarinet, flute, tenor sax), Milt Yaner (clarinet, alto sax), Bobby Hackett (cornet), Jack Lesberg (bass), and Bunny Shawker (drums).

Crazy He Calls Me - Single Version

Listen to Crazy He Calls Me - Single Version on Spotify. Song · Billie Holiday · 2009


“Crazy He Calls Me,” as well as The Complete Commodore and Decca Masters, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Funny Thing

The song of the day for Monday June 23, 2014 is “Funny Thing.”

About This Song

“Funny Thing” was written in 1954, with music by Jimmy Van Heusen (writing as Arthur Williams) and lyrics by Carl Sigman.

About This Version

In his autobiography, The Good Life, Tony Bennett wrote

I was especially fond of a song I recorded that year called ‘Funny Thing,’ which was credited to the excellent lyricist Carl Sigman and a little-known composer named ‘Arthur Williams.’ Actually, ‘Arthur Williams’ was a pseudonym for publishing reasons by the great tunesmith and my great friend Jimmy Van Heusen. … I thought ‘Funny Thing’ was a great song and a likely hit, and I was disappointed when it didn’t go anywhere.

We think it’s a great song too. I hope you enjoy it.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4gG1o35ftgjeS640FXhBZM
“Funny Thing,” as well as all of the singles collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Funny Thing

The song of the day for Sunday, November 17, 2013 is “Funny Thing.”

About This Song

“Funny Thing” was written in 1954 by Arthur Williams, with lyrics by Carl Sigman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Funny Thing” in 1954 and released as a single that year. In his autobiography The Good Life, he relates while writing about 1954:

I was especially fond of a song I recorded that year called “Funny Thing,” which was credited to the excellent lyricist Carl Sigman and a little-known composer named “Arthur Williams.” Actually, “Arthur Williams” was a pseudonym adopted for publishing reasons by the great tunesmith and my great friend Jimmy Van Heusen. Van Heusen had also written “Somewhere Along The Way” in the same undercover fashion, and though also recorded that, the hit on that 1951 classic belonged to Nat “King” Cole. I thought “Funny Thing” was a great song and a likely hit, and I was disappointed when it didn’t go anywhere.

Tony Bennett was correct; it a great song and we’re happy to present it today.

http://open.spotify.com/track/4gG1o35ftgjeS640FXhBZM
“Funny Thing,” as well as the singles collection on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 3, is available from iTunes.