The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 27, 2023, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on April 6, 1961, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, released in 1962.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.

I listened to Shirley Horn’s album You’re My Thrill yesterday and discovered her recording of today’s song. I hope you enjoy it.

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Saturday, November 5, 2022, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In the year 2000, part of his 70th birthday celebration at the Library of Congress, Stephen Sondheim chose a list of ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written (At Least in Part).’ On this list were several songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, most of which are songs that Tony Bennett has recorded including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” in June 1975 for their first album: The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Thursday, May 5, 2022, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, this song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “The Rules of the Road” in 1961, with a fine Ralph Burns arrangement. Today, though, I’m choosing his second studio recording from 1964 on the album When Lights Are Low, arranged by Ralph Sharon. This is version is more low-key and introspective than the original. I love both, but felt in the mood for this version today.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 30, 2022, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1964. In the year 2000, as part of his 70th birthday celebration at the Library of Congress, Stephen Sondheim chose a list of ‘Songs I Wish I Had Written (At Least in Part).’ On this list were several songs by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh, most of which are songs that Tony Bennett has recorded including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” in 1975 for their first album: The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

“When In Rome,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album is available on Apple Music.