The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. It was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The recording gives everyone in the quartet a chance to shine: Ralph Sharon, piano; Gray Sargent, guitar; Paul Langosch, bass; and Clayton Cameron, drums.

“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Ellington’s 1958 instrumental recording of today’s song, from his album Blues In Orbit. Featured musicians include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, and Sam Woodyard.

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Song of the Day: Until I Met You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 3, 2026, is “Until I Met You.”

About This Song

“Until I Met You” was written in 1956 by Freddie Green and Donald E. Wolf. This song is also known as “Corner Pocket.” Freddie Green played rhythm guitar for the Count Basie Orchestra for fifty years. This song has also been recorded by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Sarah Vaughan, among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Until I Met You” on March 16, 1962, for On The Glory Road, which was to be released in 1962 but was canceled; fortunately the album was included in the 2011 Complete Collection and is available ‘on streaming platforms. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Until I Met You,” as well as On The Glory Road, is available on Apple Music.

In 1961, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, with their combined orchestras, released the album First Time! The Count Meets The Duke. The instrumental version of today’s song, “Corner Pocket” is on that album.

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Song of the Day: I’m Just a Lucky So and So

The song of the day for Monday, June 8, 2026, is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington and Mack David. It’s been widely recorded by artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Diana Krall, Mose Allison, and Harry “Sweets” Edison with Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” live at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The concert 2-LP album, Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, was released in August 1962.

“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler, recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” on November 26, 1945.

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, is “Solitude.”

Tony Bennett performed at Carnegie Hall in a two-act concert on June 9, 1962.

1962 was an important year for Tony Bennett: the release of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” the Carnegie Hall concert, and the August White House concert at the invitation of President Kennedy.

From now through June 9, we’ll be playing songs from that concert.

About This Song

“Solitude” was written in 1934 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in 20 minutes. Ellington and his band arrived at a recording studio, and found out that they needed to recorded another song in addition to the 3 songs scheduled. It’s had many fine recordings, including those by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, and Ellington/

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “Solitude” live at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. A recording of the album, Tony Bennett Live at Carnegie Hall, was released in August 1962.

“Solitude,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Ellington’s 1940 recording of “Solitude,” with Ivie Anderson on vocals.

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Song of the Day: Day Dream

The song of the day for Monday, May 25, 2026, is “Day Dream.”

About This Song

“Day Dream” was written in 1941 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, with lyrics by John LaTouche. Acknowledged to have been written solely by Strayhorn, “Day Dream” is a lovely song with a strong Strayhorn touch, enhanced by the thoughtful lyrics by John LaTouche. The first recording was in 1941 and featured Johnny Hodges on saxophone and Billy Strayhorn on piano. Other notable recordings include two by Tony Bennett, Betty Carter, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock (piano), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Ron Carter (bass), and Elvin Jones (drums), recorded “Day Dream” 62 years ago on May 25, 1964. It was released in 2011 in The Complete Collection box set on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

“Day Dream,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

we have an exquisite recording of “Day Dream” from the 1961 album Johnny Hodges With Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra.