The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Shakin’ the Blues Away

The song of the day for Friday, March 20, 2026, is “Shaking the Blues Away.”

About This Song

“Shakin’ the Blues Away” was written by Irving Berlin for The Zeigfeld Follies of 1927. It was introduced by Ruth Etting, who was making her first appearance in the Follies. Berlin pulled it out of the trunk for 1948 film Easter Parade, where it was a dance number for Ann Miller.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Shakin’ the Blues Away” in May 1987 for Bennett/Berlin.

“Shaking the Blues Away,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available on Apple Music.

Dear Mr. Bennett

The John Pizzarelli Trio (Pizzarelli on guitar and vocals, Michael Karn on bass, and Isaiah J. Thompson on piano) recorded “Shakin’ the Blues AWay” for Dear Mr. Bennett, released in March 2026.

Dear Mr. Bennett

The John Pizzarelli Trio (Pizzarelli on guitar and vocals, Michael Karn on bass, and Isaiah J. Thompson on piano) recorded “Shakin’ the Blues Away” for Dear Mr. Bennett, released in March 2026.

Dear Mr. Bennett is available for purchase on CD and vinyl at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tower Records, and other record stores. It is also available on most popular streaming services.

We’ve got Ann Miller singing and dancing “Shakin’ the Blues Away” from the 1948 film Easter Parade. Or tapping the blues away …

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Song of the Day: Steppin’ Out With My Baby

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 28, 2022, is “Steppin’ Out With My Baby.”

About This Song

“Steppin’ Out With My Baby” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1948 film musical Easter Parade, which starred Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. The score of Easter Parade won the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” in July 1993 and was released that year on Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire and the “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” number from Easter Parade.

We’ve also got the official video of Tony Bennett singing today’s song!

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Tony Live! Steppin’ Out With My Baby

The song of the day for Sunday, September 6, 2020, is “Steppin’ Out.”

About This Song

“Steppin’ Out With My Baby” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1948 film musical Easter Parade, which starred Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. The score of Easter Parade won the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sings “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” from his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged.

“Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Shaking the Blues Away

The song of the day for Thursday, April 26, 2018 is “Shaking the Blues Away.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Shaking the Blues Away” in 1927 for The Zeigfeld Follies of 1927. It was introduced by Ruth Etting, who was making her first appearance in the Follies. Berlin pulled it out of the trunk for 1948 film Easter Parade, where it was a dance number for Ann Miller.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Shaking the Blues Away” in 1987 for his album of songs by Irving Berlin: Bennett/Berlin. Bennett wrote the fine arrangement himself.

Shakin" The Blues Away

Listen to Shakin" The Blues Away on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1987


“Shaking the Blues Away,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Only Happens When I Dance With You

The song of the day for Monday, May 30, 2016 is “It Only Happens When I Dance With You.”

About This Song

“It Only Happens When I Dance With You” is one of the many fine songs that Irving Berlin wrote for the 1948 film Easter Parade, which starred Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Only Happens When I Dance With You” in 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. The arrangement is by Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

It Only Happens When I Dance with You

Listen to It Only Happens When I Dance with You on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1993


“It Only Happens When I Dance With You,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today concludes our tribute to Irving Berlin, a master composer of the American songbook. Coming up for June is another great composer, so please stay tuned.