Yesterday I Heard The Rain is one of my favorite Tony Bennett songs, even though it’s not one of his most popular songs. This lovely version is from a 1969 television broadcast in England with Count Basie. Also in this segment is People, from Funny Girl.
Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You
The Song of the Day for Tuesday, November 27, 2012 is There Will Never Be Another You.
About There Will Never Be Another You
This song was written by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Mack Gordon for the 1942 film musical Iceland, starring Sonja Henie. I first fell in love with this song when it was featured in one of my favorite movies, The World According To Garp. The song is a jazz standard and has been recorded by Rosemary Clooney, Chet Baker, Lionel Hampton, Frank Sinatra and Art Tatum. It really is a beautiful song.
About This Version
This version is from Mr. Bennett’s 1959 album In Person! With Count Basie and His Orchestra (compiled on From Now On, released in 2012).
Song of the Day: Lost In The Stars
The Song of the Day for October 25, 2012 is Lost in the Stars.
About Lost In The Stars
Lost in the Stars, from the musical of the same name, was written by Kurt Weill, with book and lyrics by Maxwell Anderson. Based on Alan Paton’s book Cry The Beloved Country (written in 1948), the musical was produced on Broadway in 1949 and was Mr. Weill’s last work. Lost in the Stars movingly tells the story of apartheid in South Africa.
About This Version
Tony Bennett has recorded this song several times. My favorite recording is the version offered today: the single recorded in 1958 with the Count Basie Orchestra and Ralph Sharon, as compiled on Forty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett.
Song of the Day: Taking A Chance on Love
The Song of the Day for October 22, 2012 is Taking A Chance on Love.
About Taking A Chance on Love
Taking A Chance on Love was written by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John LaTouche and Ted Fetter. It was introduced in the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin In the Sky, featuring Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. It was made into a film in 1943, with Ethel Waters repeating her role and Eddie Anderson. Louis Armstrong was also featured in the film and Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performed in the film.
About This Version
This version of Taking a Chance on Love was recorded in 1958 with Count Basie. It was released on the 1959 In Person! with Count Basie and His Orchestra and again on the 1962 I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
Song of the Day: Are You Having Any Fun?
William James Basie was born on August 21, 1904. In honor of Count Basie, the Song of the Day for this day Are You Having Any Fun?
About Are You Having Any Fun?
The song was written by Sammy Fain and Jack Yellen. In addition to Tony Bennett and Count Basie, the song has been recorded by Elaine Stritch, July Garland, and Tommy Dorsey.
About This Version
This version is from the second album that Tony did with Count Basie: Bennett & Basie Strike Up The Band, released in 1959 on Basie’s Roulette label. This album was digitally remastered and released in 2012. It sounds better than ever.
And, as a birthday treat, we also include Poor Little Rich Girl, from the same album: