The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 10, 2023, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter, for the 1940 musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” on December 30, 1958, for his album with Count Basie and His Band: In Person!, which was released in 1959. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Originally, the album was meant to use recordings of Tony Bennett and Count Basie and His Band at club dates they did after their first album. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the recordings, so they rerecorded the songs in the studio.

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: With Plenty of Money and You

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 29, 2023, is “With Plenty of Money and You.”

About This Song

“With Plenty of Money and You” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for Gold Diggers of 1937, starring Dick Powell and Joan Blondell and choreographed by Busby Berkeley. Interestingly, the score for the film was to have been written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, but Berkeley didn’t like what they had written and brought in Warren and Dubin for this song and several other songs. Some Arlen and Harburg songs were used in the film as well.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “With Plenty of Money and You” with Count Basie and His Orchestra on January 5, 1959, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. This recording was released on the album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings in 1959.

“With Plenty of Money and You,” as well as Basie Swings, Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Are You Havin’ Any Fun?

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 13, 2023, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?”.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain in 1939 for George White’s Scandals. George White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, and The Three Stooges.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with The Count Basie Orchestra, recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, and was released in 1959 on Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. The song was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?,” as well as Basie Swings/Bennett Sings is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Sunday, January 29, 2023, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938, with music by Count Basie and lyrics by Jerry Livingston and Mack David. It was initially recorded by The Count Basie Orchestra in 1938. It has since been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat Cole, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kay Starr recorded “Blue and Sentimental” in May 2001 for Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues.

“Blue and Sentimental,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Thursday, July 21, 2022, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the life of the late Kay Starr, who was born on July 21, 1922, in Oklahoma. At the age of 7, she placed third in a talent contest and was given a 15-minute radio show. By the age of 10, she was making $3 a night, which was good money in the Great Depression. She started out singing mostly Western Swing and Country and Western music. She soon branched out to include pop and jazz songs. Starr died on November 3, 2016, at the age of 94 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938 by Count Basie, Jerry Livingston, and Mack David. This song was initially recorded by the Count Basie Orchestra in 1938. It has since been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Mel Tormé.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kay Starr recorded “Blue and Sentimental” in May 2001 and released that same year on Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. The vocals were arranged by Rob Mathes.

“Blue and Sentimental,” as well as Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues is available on Apple Music.

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