The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Darn That Dream

The song of the day for Sunday, March 9, 2025, is “Darn That Dream.”

About This Song

“Darn That Dream” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Eddie De Lange for the 1939 musical Swingin’ the Dream, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The cast had many big names: Louis Armstrong playing Bottom, Maxine Sullivan as Titania, Bill Bailey and Dorothy Dandridge. It only ran for 13 performances and is considered to be a flop. Fortunately, “Darn That Dream” proved to be a big hit and earned some money for the investors.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Darn That Dream” on August 11, 1954, for his first studio LP, Cloud 7, released in 1955. The song was arranged by Chuck Wayne, who played guitar on the album.

“Darn That Dream,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Heart Tells Me

The song of the day for Saturday, October 119=, 2024, is “My Heart Tells Me.”

About This Song

“My Heart Tells Me” was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon for the 1943 movie Sweet Rosie O’Grady, which starred Betty Grable. In fact, Grable introduced the song while sitting in a bathtub filled with bubbles as part of a performance in a somewhat naughty beer hall show. The song has been widely recorded by artists including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Harry James, Glenn Miller, Dorothy Collins, and Charlie Parker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Heart Tells Me” on December 22, 1954, for his full-length LP album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. Charles Panely, who played trumpet on the album, wrote the arrangement.

“My Heart Tells Me,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: While The Music Plays On

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 10, 2024, is “While The Music Plays On.”

About This Song

“While The Music Plays On” was written in 1939 by Emery “Eddie” Heim, with lyrics by Irving Mills and Lupin Fein. Emery Heim was born in Budapest and moved to America in 1939. He served in the US Army, Special Services, during World War II.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “While The Music Plays On” on August 11, 1954, for his album Cloud 7, released in 1955. Chuck Wayne, who played trumpet on this album, wrote the arrangement.

“While The Music Plays On,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Baby Just Cares For Me

The song of the day for Thursday, August 1, 2024, is “My Baby Just Cares For Me.”

About This Song

“My Baby Just Cares For Me” was written by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn for the 1930 film version of Whoopee! with Eddie Cantor. Though recorded by many artists, the song is widely associated with Nina Simone, who recorded it for her 1958 debut album Little Girl Blue.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Baby Just Cares For Me” on December 22, 1954, for his first full-length album Cloud 7. It was arranged by Charles Paneley, who played trumpet on the album.

“My Baby Just Cares For Me,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Give Me The Simple Life

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 3, 2024, is “Give Me The Simple Life.”

About This Song

“Give Me The Simple Life” was written by Rube Bloom and Harry Rube for the 1946 movie Wake Up and Dream, which starred John Payne and June Haver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Give Me The Simple Life” on December 22, 1954, for his first LP album Cloud 7, which was released in 1955. It was arranged by Charles Panely, who also played trumpet on the album.

“Give Me The Simple Life,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.