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 Sentimental Mood

The song of the day for Wednesday, January 25, 2023, is “In A Sentimental Mood.”

About This Song

“In A Sentimental Mood” was written by Duke Ellington in 1935, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills. The original 1935 Ellington recording features Otto Hardwick on alto sax; Benny Goodman recorded it that same year. Though the song has always been popular and is widely recorded, the 1962 recording with Ellington and John Coltrane is considered to be one of the most notable instrumental recordings.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Sentimental Mood” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool.

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

Here’s the 1962 recording of today’s song from Duke Ellington & John Coltrane:

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Song of the Day: It Don’t Mean A Thing

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 24, 2023, is “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”

About This Song

“It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” was written in 1930 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Irving Mills. This song was one of the first songs to use the word “swing” in the title and this song certainly defined what it meant to swing. Ellington recorded the song with Ivie Anderson on vocals and it was an immediate hit. It has been widely recorded since it was written and the song is a lot of fun to play and listen to. Significant recordings include those by Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, Gigi Gryce, Tony Bennett, and Thelonious Monk.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. Ralph Burns did the arrangement. Clayton Cameron was exceptional on the drums for this recording.

“It Don’t Mean A Thing,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got two additional recordings of “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” that you might enjoy.

Ivie Anderson on vocals on Ellington’s 1932 recording:

Next is Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington’s recording from The Great Reunion, recorded in 1963. Armstrong sings the verse, which is wonderful and almost never heard:

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Song of the Day: Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

The song of the day for Monday, January 23, 2023, is “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me.”

About This Song

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Bob Russell. As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1943, with Al Hibbler on vocals, and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day, and Nina Simone.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” in May 1999 for his album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calendrelli.

“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1943 recording by Duke Ellington, with Al Hibbler on vocals.

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Song of the Day: It Don’t Mean a Thing

The song of the day for Friday, January 6, 2023, is “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.”

About This Song

“It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” was written by Duke Ellington in 1931. It was one of the first songs to use the word “swing” in the title and this song certainly defined what it meant to swing. Ellington recorded the song with Ivie Anderson on vocals and it was an immediate hit. It has been widely recorded since it was written and the song is a lot of fun to play and listen to. Significant recordings include those by Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt, Gigi Gryce, Tony Bennett, and Thelonious Monk.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sings “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” featuring his drummer Clayton Cameron live on April 12, 1994, for MTV Unplugged.

Here’s the original recording by Duke Ellington and Ivie Anderson from 1932.

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

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 4, 2022, is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington as an instrumental with the title “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

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen. Marion Evans wrote the very fine arrangement.

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

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