The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Baby Just Cares For Me

The song of the day for Friday, August 28, 2020, 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” for Cloud 7, his first full-length album, released in 1955. It was arranged by Charles Panely.

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

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Song of the Day: Give Me The Simple Life

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 5, 2020, is “Give Me The Simple Life.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Give Me The Simple Life” in 1954 for Bennett’s first album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. The arrangement was by Charles Panely. I believe that it’s worth noting that his first full-length album was a jazz album and reflected the singer he was then and still is now: a solid jazz singer.

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

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Song of the Day: Love Letters

The song of the day for Friday, March 27, 2020, is “Love Letters.”

About This Song

“Love Letters: was written in 1945 by Victor Young and Edward Heyman for a film of the same name. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. It has been recorded by Nat King Cole, Dick Haymes, and Elvis Presley, among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love Letters” in 1954 for his first full-length LP, Cloud 7, released in 1955. “Love Letters” was arranged by Chuck Young.

“Love Letters,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from iTunes.

A Note to Readers

You may have noticed that I have not been posting every day. I’m fighting psoriatic arthritis, which has affected my hands, which sometimes hurt bad enough that I can’t type. The good news is that I’ll be starting a new medicine for this and hope to back to normal soon. Thank you for understanding.

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Song of the Day: I Fall In Love Too Easily

The song of the day for Thursday, September 28, 2020, is “I Fall In Love Too Easily.”

About This Song

“I Fall in Love Too Easily” was written in 1944 by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was written for the 1945 movie Anchors Away, where it was introduced by Frank Sinatra. It nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost to “It Might As Well Be Spring” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is a well-respected jazz standard, with recordings by Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Anita O’Day, and Johnny Hartman.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Fall in Love Too Easily” in 1954 for his album Cloud 7. Chuck Wayne wrote the arrangement.

“I Fall In Love Too Easily,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Old Devil Moon

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 26, 2020, is “Old Devil Moon.”

About This Song

“Old Devil Moon” was written by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow, which also gave us “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?” While Alec Wilder was no fan of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?”, in America Popular Song he praises “Old Devil Moon” as “a well-written, wholly convincing song. It drives, and its initial intensity is sustained throughout.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Old Devil Moon” for his first album, Cloud 7, which is marking its 65th anniversary this week. The arrangement was written by Chuck Wayne, who also played guitar on the album.

“Old Devil Moon,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from iTunes.

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