The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, September 19, 2021, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Rules of the Road” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Unlike his 1961 recording, this one is a little slower in tempo and more introspective. Both are wonderful, but this one is my favorite.

The Rules Of The Road

Listen to The Rules Of The Road on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Monday, August 9, 2021, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. In addition to several fine recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for When Lights Are Low. This version is quite different from his 1961 recording: it’s quiet and introspective. But as regular readers know, I really love this song, which I’ve featured 25 times on this blog, which I believe makes it the most-featured song. All I can say is thank you for indulging me.

Speak Low

Listen to Speak Low on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1964.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 4, 2021, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About Today

I hope you all enjoyed Tony Bennett’s 95th birthday! Our 4th of the seven Tony Bennett songs I’m featuring this week is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About This Song

“The Best Is Yet To Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Some say that “The Best is Yet to Come” was written for Tony Bennett. In any case, the song is strongly identified with him and he sings it at most of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Is Yet To Come” in 1960; Cy Coleman wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra. It was released as a single in 1960; it was included on the 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Listen to The Best Is Yet To Come on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2011.

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as all of the songs collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 6, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The song of the day for Saturday, June 19, 2021, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About This Song

“The Best Is Yet To Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Some say that “The Best is Yet to Come” was written for Tony Bennett. In any case, the song is strongly identified with him and he regularly sang it at many of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “The Best Is Yet To Come” in 1960, with an arrangement by the composer, Cy Coleman. It was released as a single that year and was later added to the 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco. Bennett closed out his series of Coleman and Leigh songs at his Carnegie Hall concert with “The Best Is Yet To Come,” captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

The Best Is Yet To Come - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to The Best Is Yet To Come - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Firefly

The song of the day for Friday, June 18, 2021, is “Firefly.”

About This Song

“Firefly” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1958 as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy. Jule Styne and a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim wound up writing that score.

About This Version

Tony Bennett made two recordings of “Firefly” in 1958: A single with an arrangement by Ray Ellis and with Count Basie for the album In Person! Bennett sang “Firefly” at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Firefly - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Firefly - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Firefly,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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