An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
The song of the day for Sunday, January 22, 2023, is “Firefly”
“Firefly” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1958 as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy (which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim).
Tony Bennett and Kermit the Frog recorded “Firefly” in June 1998 for the album The Playground.
“Firefly” as well as The Playground is available on Apple Music. .
The song of the day for Monday, September 26, 2022, is “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”
“Baby, Dream Your Dream” was written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the 1966 hit musical Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” was sung by Helen Gallagher and Thelma Oliver.
Tony Bennett recorded “Baby, Dream Your Dream” on December 14, 1965, with an arrangement by Johnny Mandel. It was released as a single in 1966 and was included on the 1967 album For Once In My Life.
“Baby, Dream Your Dream,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Monday, September 19, 2022, is “Then Was Then And Now Is Now.”
“Then Was Then And Now Is Now” was written by Cy Coleman and Peggy Lee. Lee released her recording of this song in 1965 on an album of the same name.
Tony Bennett recorded “Then Was Then And Now Is Now” on February 18, 1965, for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.
“Then Was Then And Now Is Now,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Tuesday, August 30, 2022, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”
“The Best Is Yet To Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. some say that today’s song was written for Tony Bennett. In any case, the song is strongly identified with him and he sang it regularly at most of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Tony Bennett sang “The Best Is Yet To Come” live at his 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall , captured on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.
“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Wednesday, August 17, 2022, is “The Rules of the Road.”
“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.
Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on April 6, 1961, with a very fine arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.
“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.