The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Blue and Sentimental

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 21, 2021, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About Today

Today we are remembering the great Kay Starr, who was born on July 21, 1922, and died at the age of 94 on November 3, 2016. She was a remarkably versatile singer who excelled in popular music, jazz, and country music. Over her career, she worked with Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Roy Acuff, Count Basie, and many more.

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written in 1938 by Count Basie, Jerry Livington, and Mack David. Count Basie recorded his song in 1938; other recordings include those by The Mills Brothers, Michel Legrand, The King Cole Trio, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blue and Sentimental” with Kay Starr for his 2001 album Playin’ With My Friends: Bennett Sings The Blues. The vocals were arranged by Rob Mathes.

Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr)

Listen to Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Kay Starr · 2001

“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 Wednesday, February 3, 2021, is “Blue and Sentimental.”

About This Song

“Blue and Sentimental” was written by Count Basie, Jerry Livingston, and Mack David. Basie first recorded it in 1938 and again in 1947. Other significant recordings include those by The King Cole Trio, The Mills Brothers, and Michel Legrand on his album Legrand Jazz.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Kay Starr recorded “Blue and Sentimental” in 2001 for the album Playing With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues.

Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr)

Listen to Blue and Sentimental (with Kay Starr) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Kay Starr · 2001

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

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Song of the Day: Fascinating Rhythm

The song of the day for Sunday, January 20, 2021, is “Fascinating Rhythm.”

About This Song

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924 for the Broadway musical Lady Be Good, “Fascinating Rhythm” was introduced by Cliff Edwards and Fred and Adele Astaire. The Astaires also recorded the song in 1926 with Gershwin on the piano. “Fascinating Rhythm” was and still is, a jazz number. For that reason, it has never been out of favor with jazz artists, both vocal and instrumental.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Fascinating Rhythm” in 1958 with The Count Basie Big Band for the 1959 album In Person.

Fascinatin" Rhythm

Tony Bennett & Count Basie · The Complete Recordings (Bonus Track Version) · Song · 2013

“Fascinating Rhythm,” as well as In Person, is available from Apple Music.

Bennett first recorded “Fascinating Rhythm” on the Leslie label. Long thought to be lost, a copy of the record was found and was included in the 2011 Complete Collection Box Set.

Fascinatin" Rhythm

Tony Bennett · Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 · Song · 2012

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 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’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 recorded “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” in 1959 for his album with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the album Basie/Bennett. Tony tells this story from his autobiography The Good Life:

I didn’t meet Count Basie until our rehearsals began. We hit it off right away, as though we always knew and understood each other. At one point Basie turned to his band, pointed at me, and said, “Anything this man wants, he gets!” I was floored.

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

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Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 21 2020, is “There Will Never Be Another You.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of William James “Count” Basie, who was born on July 21, 1904, in Red Hook, New Jersey. We can’t imagine American jazz without Count Basie.

About This Song

“There Will Never Be Another You” was written in 1942 by Harry Warren and Max Gordon for the movie Iceland. The song has become a serious jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including Bennett’s 1959 recording with Count Basie and his 1962 improvisation with Dave Brubeck at the White House Sessions. Other significant recordings include those by Lionel Hampton, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There Will Never Be Another You” in 1959 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for their second album, In Person!. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangment.

“There Will Never Be Another You,” as well as In Person!, is available from Apple Music.

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