The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Return to Me (Regresa a Mi)

The song of the day for Thursday, February 7, 2019 is “Return to Me.”

About This Song

“Return to Me” was written in 1957 by Carmen Lombardo (Guy’s brother) and Danny DiMinno. This song was first recorded by Dean Martin, in January 1958 and to this day, the song remains strongly identified with Martin. “Return To Me” was featured in a 2000 film of the same name.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Vicente Fernandez recorded a multi-lingual duet of “Return to Me” or “Regresa Mi” in Spanish for the 2012 album Viva Duets, consisting of duets with Latin and Spanish artists.

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí) (with Vicente Fernández)

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí) (with Vicente Fernández), a song by Tony Bennett, Vicente Fernández on Spotify

“Return to Me (Regresa a Mi),” as well as Viva Duets, is available from iTunes.

I’m also including the lovely video made about the recording of this song.

Tony Bennett – Return To Me (Regresa a Mí) (from Viva Duets)

Music video by Tony Bennett duet with Vicente Fernández performing Return To Me (Regresa A Mí). (C) 2012 Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment

About Today

I’m feeling better and am thrilled to be back to blogging about the man we all love: Tony Bennett.

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Song of the Day: Return to Me

The song of the day for Saturday, April 28, 2018 is “Return to Me.”

About This Song

“Return to Me” was written in 1957 by Carmen Lombardo and Danny DiMinno. It was first recorded by Dean Martin in January, 1958 and to this day, the song remains strongly identified with Martin. “Return To Me” was featured in a 2000 film of the same name.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Vicente Fernandez recorded this bilingual version of “Return to Me” in 2012 for Bennett’s album Viva Duets, which featured Latin singers. This duet was one of the finer songs on this album, in my opinion, due in a large part of the arrangement in the ranchera style favoured by Fernandez and the use of his band. I found the song rather poignant and touching.

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí)

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí), a song by Tony Bennett, Vicente Fernández on Spotify


” Return to Me,” as well as Viva Duets, is available from iTunes.

About Today

This lovely video was made of Tony Bennett’s visit to Guadalajara to record today’s song.

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Song of the Day: Return to Me

The song of the day for Saturday, July 29, 2017 is “Return to Me.”

About This Song

“Return To Me” was written in 1957 by Carmen Lombardo and Danny DiMinno. Dean Martin recorded this song in January 1958 and to this day, the song remains strongly identified with Martin. “Return To Me” was featured in a 2000 film of the same name.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Vicente Fernandez recorded “Return To Me,” or “Regresa a Mi” in Spanish, in 2012 for the album Viva Duets. Having never known the Dean Martin recording, I was gobsmacked when I learned that this song wasn’t a traditional Mexican ballad. The arrangement and performances were superb.The song was recorded in Fernandez’ studio at his ranch in Guadalajara and features his musicians as well.

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí)

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí), a song by Tony Bennett, Vicente Fernández on Spotify


“Return to Me,” as well as Viva Duets, is available from iTunes.

Just for a comparison, here’s Dean Martin’s recording of “Return To Me.”

Return To Me (Ritorna-Me) – 1997 – Remastered

Return To Me (Ritorna-Me) – 1997 – Remastered, a song by Dean Martin on Spotify

About Today

I’m very pleased to present the 2012 video of Tony Bennett and Vicente Fernandez recording the song as well as some lovely footage of the ranch.

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Song of the Day: Return To Me (Regresa a Mi)

The song of the day for Monday, November 9, 2015 is “Regresa a Mi.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Return To Me,” was written in 1957 by Carmen Lombardo and Danny DiMinno. It was first recorded by Dean Martin in January 1958 and to this day, the song remains strongly identified with Martin. “Return To Me” was featured in a 2000 film of the same name.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Vicente Fernandez recorded a Spanish and English version of today’s song, entitled “Regresa a Mi” in 2012 for Viva Duets. It was recorded at Fernandez’ home studio in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí)

Return To Me (Regresa a Mí), a song by Tony Bennett, Vicente Fernández on Spotify


“Regresa a Mi,” as well as Viva Duets, is available from iTunes.

I love the video of this song and so include it today.

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Song of the Day: Return To Me (Regresa a Mi)

Happy Birthday to Vicente Fernández, born on February 17, 1940. In honor of his birthday, we feature his wonderful duet with Tony Bennett, Return To Me (Regresa A Mi), as the song of the day for Sunday, February 17, 2013.

About Return To Me

When I first heard the recording of this song, I thought to myself how nice it was to include a traditional ranchero song on Viva Duets. I was completely in error, however. Return to Me was written in 1957 by Carmen Lombardo (brother of bandleader Guy Lombardo) and Danny DiMinno. In January 1958, Dean Martin did the first recording of the song and the song still remains associated with Dean Martin. In fact, the second box set of Dean Martin was entitled Return to Me.

About This Version

This is perhaps my favorite song from the Viva Duets album. The arrangement is so traditionally Mexican and music beautifully performed. There is also something quite extraordinary about these two great singers working together. Both are legends, not only in their own countries, but all over the world. It is a privilege to hear these two great men sing this beautiful song  together.


Regresa A Mi, as well as the full Viva Duets album, is available from iTunes.

Tony traveled to the Fernández ranch Guadalajara to make this recording. This charming video recounts the session and the visit to this very beautiful place.
 

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