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 Thursday, May 18, 2023, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written 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” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. Bennett recorded this album with The Ralph Sharon Trio, featuring Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“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: When In Rome

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 18, 2023, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In 2000, as part of his 70th birthday celebration at the Library of Congress, Stephen Sondheim chose a list of ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written (At Least in Part).’ On this list were several songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, most of which Tony Bennett has recorded, including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” in June 1975 for their first album The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, March 26, 2023, 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” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Light Are Low. Although the album was recorded with his trio, Bennett was accompanied only by pianist Ralph Sharon, who also wrote the arrangement.

“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 Saturday, March 11, 2023, 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 sang it regularly 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” on September 15, 2016, live from Radio City Music Hall, for the televised tribute to him in celebration of his 90th birthday. On that evening, singers including Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Diana Krall, and k.d. lang also performed songs that Bennett also recorded. The evening was captured on the album Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come.

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Firefly

The song of the day for Sunday, January 22, 2023, is “Firefly”

About This Song

“Firefly” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1958 as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy (which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim).

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kermit the Frog recorded “Firefly” in June 1998 for the album The Playground.

“Firefly” as well as The Playground is available on Apple Music. .

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