The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: When In Rome

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 6, 2024, is “When In Rome.”

About This Song

“When In Rome” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh.
In 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 Tony Bennett recorded, including “When In Rome.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “When In Rome” in June 1975 for 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 Tuesday, February 27, 2024, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. Significant recordings include those by Lena Horne, Shirley Horn, Anita O’Day, Nat “King” Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on March 26, 1964, for his album When Lights Are Low. The Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano; Hal Gaylord on bass; Billy Exiner on drums) accompanied Bennett for the album.

“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: Then Was Then and Now Is Now

The song of the day for Thursday, January 4, 2024, is “Then Was Then and Now Is Now.”

About This Song

“Then Was Then and Now Is Now” was written by Cy Coleman and Peggy Lee. Miss Peggy Lee released it on her album with the same name in 1965.

About This Version

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.

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Song of the Day: The Best Is Yet To Come

The song of the day for Wednesday, November 1, 2023, is “The Best Is Yet To Come.”

About This Song

“The Best Is Yet To Come” was written in 1959 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Some say that the song was written for Tony Bennett; in any case, it’s strongly identified with him and he regularly sang it at all of his concerts. Other recordings include those by Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Best Is Yet To Come” on September 15, 2016, at his 90th birthday concert. Bennett’s live performances, as well as the songs sung by the many guest artists, were released on the album Tony Bennett Celebrates 90.

Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

“The Best Is Yet To Come,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’m In Love Again

The song of the day for Friday, October 27, 2023, is “I’m In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I’m In Love Again” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman, Peggy Lee, and Bill Schluger. It’s one of the several songs that Peggy Lee wrote with Cy Coleman. Miss Lee used as the title song for her 1964 album Miss Peggy Lee in Love Again!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m In Love Again” in July 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies, arranged by Jorge Calandrelli. In this album, Bennett sings songs associated with the great female singers of the American Songbook, such as Judy Garland, Sarah Vaughan, Doris Day, and many others. This recording was for Miss Peggy Lee, who cowrote this song.

“I’m In Love Again,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available on Apple Music.