The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Then Was Now and Now is Now

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 4. 2021, is “Then Was Now and Now is Now.”

About This Song

“Then Was Now and Now is Now” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman and Peggy Lee. Miss Lee sang it on an album of the same name in 1965.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Then Was Now and Now is Now” in 1965 for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“Then Was Now and Now is Now,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 29, 2021, 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

Today we’re featuring Bennett’s second studio recording of “The Rules of the Road,” recorded in 1964 with The Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low is available on Apple Music.https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-lights-are-low-remastered/576713269

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: I’m In Love Again

The song of the day for Monday, November 22, 2021, is “I’m In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I’m In Love Again” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman, Bill Schluger, and Peggy Lee. 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 1995 for his album Here’s to the Ladies, where Bennett sings songs associated with great 20th century female singers. This song is, of course, for his friend Miss Peggy Lee.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Day You Leave Me

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 27, 2021, is “The Day You Leave Me.”

About This Song

“The Day You Leave Me” was written by Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Christopher Gore.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Day You Leave Me” in 1986 for his album The Art of Excellence. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“The Day You Leave Me,” as well as The Art of Excellence is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Riviera

The song of the day for Thursday, September 23, 2021, is “The Riviera.”

About This Song

“The Riviera” was written in 1956 by Cy Coleman and Joseph McCarthy, Jr. One of Cy Coleman’s early songs, “The Riviera” predates his long association with lyricist Carolyn Leigh. Popular versions of this song are those by Mabel Mercer and Blossom Dearie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Riviera” in 1971 for his album With Love. Robert Farnon wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

The Riviera

Listen to The Riviera on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1972

“The Riviera,” as well as With Love is available on Apple Music.