The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. It was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The recording gives everyone in the quartet a chance to shine: Ralph Sharon, piano; Gray Sargent, guitar; Paul Langosch, bass; and Clayton Cameron, drums.

“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Ellington’s 1958 instrumental recording of today’s song, from his album Blues In Orbit. Featured musicians include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, and Sam Woodyard.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Makin’ Whoopee

The song of the day for Saturdayi, November 15, 2025, is “Makin’ Whoopee.”

About This Song

“Makin’ Whoopee” was written by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn for the 1928 musical Whoopee!, which starred Eddie Cantor and who introduced the song. It does, of course, refer to sexual intimacy and lists all the things that follow from that (wedding, honeymoon, babies, etc.). It has been widely recorded over the years.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Cyndi Lauper recorded “Makin’ Whoopee” in 2003 for Cyndi Lauper: At Last. They were accompanied by Lee Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass) and Clayton Cameron (drums).

“Makin’ Whoopee,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: All Of You

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 29, 2025, is “All Of You.”

About This Song

“All Of You” was written by Cole Porter in 1954 for the musical Silk Stockings, where it was introduced by Don Ameche. Bill Evans played it live on his legendary 1961 album Sunday at the Village Vanguard. Other significant recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Bobby Darin, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All Of You” in April 12, 1994, for his live appearance on MTV Unplugged. Accompanying Bennett was The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Doug Richeson on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums. Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged, the album of that appearance, was released on June 28, 1994.

Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged won the 1994 Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“All Of You,” as well as Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the video of “All Of You” from MTV Unplugged.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Dat Dere

The song of the day for Saturday, July 26, 2025, is “Dat Dere.”

About This Song

“Dat Dere” was written in 1960 by Bobby Timmons. It was first played by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1960, with Timmons on piano. Oscar Brown, Jr. wrote lyrics for the tune in 1961 for his album Sin & Soul. The song has been recorded by jazz and popular singers, including Mel Tormé and Rickie Lee Jones.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Dat Dere” in June 1988 for his album for children, The Playground, with The Ralph Sharon Quartet (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Gray Sargent on guitar, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“Dat Dere,” as well as The Playground, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: (It’s Only) A Paper Moon

The song of the day for is “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon.”

About This Song

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” in The Playground, an album for children. The Ralph Sharon Quartet accompanied Bennett, with Sharon on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon,” as well as The Playground, is available on Apple Music.