The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: From This Moment On

The song of the day for Monday, September 12, 2022, is “From This Moment On.”

About This Song

“From This Moment On” was written by Cole Porter in 1950. Porter originally wrote this song for his musical Out Of This World, but it was dropped from that show in previews. It was included in the wonderful 1953 film Kiss Me KateKiss Me Kate. Doris Day recorded this song as a single in 1950; the Frank Sinatra 1957 recording for his A Swingin’ Affair! was instrumental in the popularity of this song. It has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Susannah McCorkle.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “From This Moment On” on April 8, 1964, at Bennett’s performance for the opening of The Sahara Hotel. The recording was made available in 2011 as Tony Bennett Live at the Sahara: From This Moment On in the Complete Collection box set.

“From This Moment On,” as well as Live at The Sahara – Las Vegas, 1964 is available on Apple Music.

Here’s this song and dance from the 1953 film Kiss Me Kate. I think it’s one of the best film dances ever created. It’s wonderful to see the young Bob Fosse and Tommy Rall’s entrance (1:34) is breaktaking.

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Song of the Day: Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye

The song of the day for Thursday, June 9, 2022, is “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of the great Cole Porter, who was born in Peru, Indiana on June 9, 1891. You can find more about Cole Porter on coleporter.org. And, as you read this, the Cole Porter Festival is taking place in Peru: from June 9 through June 12, 2022. You can read more about this festival at coleporterfestival.org.

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” in 1944 for the Billy Rose musical revue Seven Lively Arts. The song is well known for the phrase “change from major to minor” as the song itself changed from A-flat major to A-flat minor, matching the lyric perfectly. It has always been a substantial jazz standard. Significant recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Mabel Mercer, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” on April 8, 1958, for the album Long Ago And Far Away. Frank DeVol wrote the very fine arrangement.

“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” as well as Long Ago And Far Away is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Concentrate On You

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 13, 2022, is “I Concentrate On You.”

About This Song

“I Concentrate On You” was written by Cole Porter in 1940 for the film Broadway Melody of 1940. It’s one of Porter’s best songs, with recordings by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Concentrate On You” in 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I Concentrate On You,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Concentrate On You

The song of the day for Monday, December 6, 2021, is “I Concentrate On You.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “I Concentrate On You” in 1940 for the film Broadway Melody of 1940. It’s one of Porter’s best songs, with recordings by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Judy Garland among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Concentrate On You” in 1993 for his album of songs made famous by Fred Astaires: Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I Concentrate On Youw,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

Here are Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell dancing to “I Concentrate On You” from Broadway Melody of 1940:

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Song of the Day: I Get a Kick Out of You

The song of the day for Thursday, November 25, 2021, is “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

About This Song

“I Get a Kick Out of You” was written by Cole Porter for his 1934 musical Anything Goes, where it was introduced by Ethel Merman. It’s been popular since then and has been recorded by artists including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, Max Roach and many more. The original lyrics reference the use of cocaine (I get no kick from cocaine), and that particular line in the lyric is often rewritten, often to champagne.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “I Get a Kick Out of You” for their 2021 album Love For Sale. This song was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“I Get a Kick Out of You” is nominated for Record of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Music Video for the 2022 Grammy Awards. Love For Sale is nominated for both Album of the Year, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. The Year of Tony Bennett congratulates Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, and Dae Bennett on their nominations.

“I Get a Kick Out of You,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that Grammy-nominated music video!

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