The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Monday, May 7, 2018 is “Solitude.”

About This Song

One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short (Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards) in 1934. The lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills were added later, as was typical for many Ellington songs. It’s a strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Solitude” in 1996 for the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, an album of songs sung by Billie Holiday. The album won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Solitude

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett On Holiday: A Tribute To Billie Holiday · Song · 1997


“Solitude,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Sunday, April 8, 2018 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

Originally written as an instrumental in 1940, Duke Ellington named his song “Never No Lament.” Bob Russell’s lyrics came in 1942 and the song’s title was changed to the current “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The somewhat sad lyric of the jilted lover who would just rather stay home bumps up against the very cheerful tune.

About This Version

I chose to indulge myself a bit today: a great song by Duke Ellington; a swinging arrangement by the wonderful Marion Evans; and the great Tony Bennett, singing like nobody’s business from 1967 for the album Tony Makes It Happen! A trifecta of joy for the Year of Tony Bennett.

Don"t Get Around Much Anymore

Listen to Don"t Get Around Much Anymore on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967


“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Monday, March 26, 2018 is “Solitude.”

About This Song

One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session in 1934, as they were one number short (Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). The lyrics were added later (as was customary for many of Duke Ellington’s songs) and were written by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Today’s version of “Solitude” is from Bennett’s 19625 concert at Carnegie Hall; the recording can be found on Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall.

Solitude - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Solitude - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962


“Solitude,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available from iTunes.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 30, 2018 is “I’m Just a Lucky So and So.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” was written in 1945 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Mack David. A favorite song of Tony Bennett, “I’m Just a Lucky So-and-So” has also been recorded by Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” in 1957 for his album Tony; he also sang it at his legendary 1962 concert at Carnegie Hall. Our version today is from his 1999 tribute album to Duke Ellington, released in Ellington’s 100th anniversary year: Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Ralph Burns wrote the fine arrangement. Your author adores this album.

I"m Just A Lucky So And So

Listen to I"m Just A Lucky So And So on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1999


“I’m Just a Lucky So and So,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool, is available from iTunes.

Tony Bennett’s portrait of Duke Ellington hangs in the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian. You can read about the donation ceremony and listen to Bennett’s remarks here:

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Thursday, January 19, 2018 is “Solitude.”

About This Song

“Solitude” was written in 1934 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short (per Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Today I’m featuring Mr. Bennett’s first recording of “Solitude,” made in 1958 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the album In Person!

Solitude

Listen to Solitude on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1959


“Solitude,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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