The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, January 10, 2020, 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 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 “The Rules of the Road” in 1961, featuring a very fine arrangement by Ralph Burns, who also orchestrated My Heart Sings. Today’s recording was released on the 1962 album I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Thursday, September 19, 2019, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About Today

Today is your blogger’s birthday and so I’m treating myself. I really love this song and especially this version.

About This Song

“The 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 “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. This album uses the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Amazes Me

The song of the day for Friday, August 30, 2019, is “It Amazes Me.”

About This Song

Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh wrote “It Amazes Me” in 1958. Liza Minnelli recorded this song when she was only eighteen years old, on her first album. It has also been recorded by Bill Evans, George Shearing, and Cleo Laine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Amazes Me” in 1958 for his album Long Ago and Far Away. The very nice arrangement is by Frank DeVol.

“It Amazes Me,” as well as Long Ago and Far Away, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 4, 2019, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The 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 “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Bennett first recorded this song in 1961–a strong and confident, uptempo version. This recording from 1964 is slower and more introspective. Both versions are wonderful.

The Rules Of The Road – 2011 Remaster

The Rules Of The Road – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The song of the day for Tuesday, June 25, 2019, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About This Song

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

Today’s recording of “The Best is Yet to Come” is from Bennett’s 90 birthday celebration, released on Tony Bennett Celebrates 90.

The Best Is Yet to Come

The Best Is Yet to Come, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, is available from iTunes.

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