The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Friday, August 30, 2024, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written in 1944 by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for The Bad and the Beautiful, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again), and his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” on November 29, 1959, for the album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. It was arranged by Frank DeVol. On a side note, Bucky Pizzarelli played guitar on this album.

“Laura,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Bad and the Beautiful

The song of the day for Friday, November 11, 2022, is “The Bad and the Beautiful.”

About This Song

“The Bad and the Beautiful,” written by David Raksin, was the theme song for the 1952 film of the same name that starred Kirk Douglas, Lana Turner, Walter Pidgeon, and Dick Powell. While the film is considered a melodrama, it’s a well-made melodrama directed by Vincente Minnelli.

About This Version

Bill Evans recorded the theme from “The Bad and the Beautiful” in September 1977 for the second album he made with Tony Bennett, Together Again, released in 1977.

During a break in the recording sessions for Together Again, September 27-30, 1976, Bill Evans started working out a possible arrangement for “The Bad and the Beautiful.” Tony Bennett liked the song so much that he insisted on adding it to the album.

“The Bad and the Beautiful,” as well as Together Again is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 10, 2022, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. David Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for The Bad and the Beautiful, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again); his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” on November 10, 1959, for the 1960 album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

“Laura,” as well as To- My Wonderful One is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Friday, January 22, 2021, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written for the 1944 film of the same name by Davis Raksin, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for “The Bad and the Beautiful,” which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again), his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” in 1959 for his album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

Laura

Tony Bennett · To My Wonderful One · Song · 1960

“Laura,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Thursday, May 15, 2020, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for The Bad and the Beautiful, which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again), his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” for his 1960 album To My Wonderful One, arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol.

“Laura,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from iTunes.