The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: They Can’t Take That Away From Me

The song of the day for Thursday, August 24, 2023, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Elvis Costello a very happy birthday! Costello was born in London, England on August 25, 1954.

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire–Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello recorded “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on April 12, 1994, for Bennett’s legendary MTV Unplugged appearance. The MTV Unplugged album was released in June of that year. The songs from the televised concert were arranged by Tony Bennett and the Ralph Sharon Trio.

MTV Unplugged won two 1994 Grammy Awards: Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the video of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” from MTV Unplugged:

By Leave a Comment

Tony Live! They Can’t Take That Away From Me

The song of the day for Sunday, September 13, 2020, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and guest Elvis Costello sang “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on Bennett’s live performance on MTV Unplugged.

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Playlist of the Week: Tony Loves to Sing with Elvis and Diana

The playlist for the week of October 13 is Tony Loves to Sing with Elvis and Diana.

This week’s playlist consists of duets featuring Tony and one of that marvelous couple: Elvis Costello and Diana Krall. This week’s songs are presented in chronological order.

1994 MTV Unplugged
They Can’t Take That Away From Me by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Elvis Costello.

2001 Playin’ With My Friends
Alright, Okay, You Win by Mamie Watts and Sid Wyche. Diana Krall.

2006 Duets: An American Classic
The Best is Yet to Come by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Diana Krall.
Are You Havin’ Any Fun? by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain. Elvis Costello.

2018 Love is Here to Stay
‘S Wonderful by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Diana Krall.
Love Is Here to Stay George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Diana Krall.
Somebody Loves Me George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Diana Krall.
Do It Again George Gershwin and Buddy DeSylva. Diana Krall.
They Can’t Take That Away From Me George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin. Diana Krall.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: They Can’t Take That Away From Me

The song of the day for Saturday, July 7, 2018 is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written in 1936 by George and Ira Gershwin. The song was written for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” in 1967 for the album For Once In My Life. Our selection for today is, however, from his 1993 album Steppin’ Out, a collection of songs introduced by Fred Astaire.

They Can"t Take That Away from Me

Listen to They Can"t Take That Away from Me on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1993.


“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Our video for today is the duet of today’s song with Elvis Costello and Tony Bennett at the 1994 MTV Unplugged concert.

I read today that Elvis Costello has had to cancel the remainder of his European tour this summer to recover from cancer surgery. Apparently the surgery was successful and I was so happy to read that. My very best wishes go out to Mr. Costello and his family as we hope for his complete recovery.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Are You Having Any Fun?

The song of the day for Saturday, June 30, 2018 is “Are You Having Any Fun?”.

About This Song

“Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” was written by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain for the 1939 George White’s Scandals. George White produced these Broadway revues from 1919 to 1939. Stars introduced in his Scandals include Bert Lahr, Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger and The Three Stooges.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Are You Having Any Fun?” with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the 1959 album Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

Life Is a Song (Let"s Sing It Together) - 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to Life Is a Song (Let"s Sing It Together) - 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Tristan Powell · Song · 1959.


“Are You Having Any Fun?” as well as Basie Swings, Bennett Sings, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Tony Bennett’s second recording of today’s song was made in 2006. It was a duet with Elvis Costello for Duets: An American Classic. We’re happy to present a nice video of the recording session. The band for this recording consists of Lee Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass) and Harold Jones (drums).

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites