The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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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Song of the Day: Dream Dancing

The song of the day for Thursday, November 11, 2021, is “Dream Dancing.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Dream Dancing” for the 1941 movie You’ll Never Get Rich, though it was introduced only in its instrumental form. The first recording of the song, with lyrics, was made by Fred Astaire in the same year, with The Delta Rhythm Boys. Other recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Zoot Zims with Jimmy Rowles, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Dream Dancing” for their 2021 album Love For Sale, featuring an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli.

“Dream Dancing,” as well as Love For Sale is available on Apple Music.