An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
The song of the day for Friday, April 11, 2025, is “Blue Velvet.”
“Blue Velvet” was written in 1950 by Bernie Wayne and Lee Morris. Tony Bennett’s 1951 recording of “Blue Velvet” was the first recording of the song and was one of his early hits for Columbia.
Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Blue Velvet” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.
“Blue Velvet,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
The song of the day for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, is “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?”.
The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to honor Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, who was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, TN. She won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Rolling Stone magazine named her the greatest singer of all time twice.
“How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” was written in 1982 by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, for the movie Best Friends, starring Burt Lancaster and Goldie Hawn. The initial recording was a duet by Patti Austin and James Ingram, which became a hit single in 1983. The song has become a popular standard and has had many fine recordings, including those by Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett and George Michael, and, most recently, Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin.
Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin recorded “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted the recording.
“How Do You Keep The Music Playing?,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
Duets II won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.
We have two videos today.
First is the official video with Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin for today’s song. Keep an eye on Tony Bennett at 4:19–a single tear as they are finishing the song. I had the privilege of seeing him live many times and seeing how tuned in he was to his emotions when he sang. There will never be anyone as great as Tony Bennett.
Second is her appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors to honor Carol King by singing “Natural Woman.” This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. Keep an eye out 2:56 into the video and watch the entire audience go crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it and I don’t think I ever will.
The song of the day for Sunday, November 24. 2024, is “Yesterday I Heard the Rain.”
“Yesterday I Heard the Rain” was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero; Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. Titled “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, is one of Armando Manzanero’s most highly regarded songs. Born in 1935, Manzanero studied music in Mexico City and composed his first song at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he became a professional pianist. His songs, like “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” are beautiful and romantic songs. He is considered to be one of the most successful composers from Latin America.
Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz recorded “Yesterday I Heard the Rain” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.
“Yesterday I Heard the Rain,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
Duets II won the 54th Annual Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.
We also have the official video for this recording.
The song of the day for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, is “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me).”
“Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 British musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd. Producer David Merrick saw the production in London and decided to bring it to America in 1965, starting first with a nationwide tour. Around that time, Tony Bennett made his first recording of this song for his 1964 album “Who Can I Turn To,” which was a hit for him; this helped bring attention to the musical and helped ensure its success in the US.
Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah recorded “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” in 2011 for the Duets II album. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.
“Who Can I Turn To,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
Here’s the official video of Tony Bennett and Queen Latifah recording today’s song:
The song of the day for Wednesday, September 25, 2024, is “The Lady is a Tramp.”
“The Lady is a Tramp” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1937 for the Broadway musical Babes In Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. The song was meant as a spoof on the high society of New York, where the singer is clear about what she likes to do, no matter what everyone else is doing. “The Lady Is A Tramp” has been sung by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “The Lady is a Tramp” in 2011 for Duets II. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement.
“The Lady is a Tramp,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.
Here’s the official video of the recording session: