The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, September 11, 2020, 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. But as far as I’m concerned, Tony Bennett owns this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, backed by The Ralph Sharon Trio, which featured 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 Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 19, 2020, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In the year 2000, in 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 are songs that Tony Bennett has recorded, including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

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

Bill Evans always wanted it known that it was his idea to use “When In Rome” for this album, as he was interested in the chord progressions in the song. He was concerned that some people might think that Tony had chosen the song, as it often falls into the pop equation for singers.

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

By Leave a Comment

Tony Live! It Amazes Me

The song of the day for Sunday, August 2, 2020, is “It Amazes Me.”

About This Song

“It Amazes Me” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh 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 sang “It Amazes Me” at his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged.

“It Amazes Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Tony Live! It Amazes Me

The song of the day for Saturday, July 25, 2020, is “It Amazes Me.”

About This Song

“It Amazes Me,” written in 1958, is one of the non-theatrical popular songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. 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 sang “It Amazes Me” in his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged. The Ralph Sharon Trio accompanied Mr. Bennett, with Sharon on piano, Doug Richeson on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“It Amazes Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Monday, July 13, 2020, 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. As far as I am concerned, Tony Bennett owns this song.

About This Version

Today features Bennett’s first recording of “The Rules of the Road,” made in 1961 and released on the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco, released in 1962. Ralph Burns wrote the very excellent arrangement.

It appears today marks the 20th time I’ve named “The Rules of the Road” as song of the day. All I can say is that yes, I do love this song that much.

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

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites