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 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.

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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:

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Firefly

It’s a beautiful summer day and today is about joyful and happy songs. Thus, the Song of the Day for August 12, 2012 is Firefly.

About Firefly

Firefly was written by Cy Coleman (music) and Carolyn Leigh (lyrics) in 1958. Originally, it was written as an  audition piece for the planned musical Gypsy and was intended to be sung by Baby June in Act One.  Gypsy was given to Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim and was, and remains, one of the greatest American musicals ever written. Thankfully, the song Firefly survived and was recorded by Tony in 1959 for In Person! With Count Basie and His Orchestra. He also has a sweet and funny duet of this song with Kermit the Frog on The Playground, his children’s album from 1998. Kermit swings pretty good for a frog.

About This Version

Today’s version of Firefly is from Tony’s extraordinary 1962 Carnegie Hall concert.  You can hear the audience enjoying it as much I do.