The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

The song of the day for Thursday, December 2, 2021, is “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.”

About This Song

“A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” was written in 1939 by Manny Sherwin and Erick Mashwitz. It was introduced in London in the 1940 revue New Faces by Judy Campbell. Glenn Miller recorded it with Bob Eberly and introduced the song to American audiences. The song was quite popular during World War II and was recorded widely during that period. Significant recordings include those by Ray Noble, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Anita O’Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Nat Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank, which won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

The song of the day for Monday, August 29, 2016 is “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.”

About This Song

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square was written in 1939 by Manny Sherwin and Eric Mashwitz. The song was a favorite romantic British ballad. It was introduced in London in the 1940 revue New Faces by Judy Campbell. Glenn Miller recorded it with Bob Eberly and introduced the song to American audiences. The song was quite popular during World War II and was recorded widely during that period. Significant recordings include those by Ray Noble, Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Anita O’Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Nat “King” Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square

Listen to A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1992


“A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, May 12, 2014 is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things: was composed by Jack Strachey, with lyrics by Eric Mashwitz (as Holt Marvell) for a revue named Spread It Abroad. Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman. ”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett chose this song for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. The strings were orchestrated by Jorge Calandrelli and features Ralph Sharon on piano. The album was produced by Tony Bennett and his son, Danny Bennett.

http://open.spotify.com/track/38J0EAfT8bR9U0XFrqp53f
“These Foolish Things,” as well as the album Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available from iTunes.