The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 26, 2024, is “Solitude.”

About This Song

“Solitude” was written by Duke Ellington in 1934, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short. It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Solitude” on December 30, 1958, with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the 1959 album In Person!

“Solitude,” as well as In Person!, is available on Apple Music.

I found this video of Tony Bennett and Duke Ellington and His Orchestra appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show on April 6, 1969. Their set starts with “Love Scene” followed by “Solitude” (starting at 2:17):

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Song of the Day: With Plenty of Money and You

The song of the day for Sunday, February 25, 2024, 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 others. Some Arlen and Harburg songs were used in the film as well.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “With Plenty of Money and You” on January 5, 1959, for their first album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“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 Friday, January 26, 2024, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.”

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White Scandals. 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, for the album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. It 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: Life Is A Song

The song of the day for Friday, October 20, 2023, is “Life Is A Song.”

About This Song

“Life Is A Song” was written in 1935 by Fred Ahlert and Joe Young. This song was first recorded by Rudy Vallee in 1935. Other recordings include those by Ruth Etting, Bob Crosby, and Johnny Mathis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Orchestra, recorded “Life Is A Song” on January 5, 1959, for the album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Life Is A Song,” 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 Monday, August 21, 2023, is “Are You Havin’ Any Fun.”

About Today

William James “Count” Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. His collaborations with Tony Bennett in the late 1950s were highlights for the young jazz singer. The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to remember Count Basie on the anniversary of his birth.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. 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 recorded “Are You Having Any Fun?” on January 5, 1959, for the album Basie Swings/Bennett Sings, with Count Basie and His Orchestra. 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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