The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Keep Smiling At Trouble

The song of the day for Monday, May 7. 2024, is “Keep Smiling At Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling At Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Keep Smiling At Trouble” on April 20, 1967, for his album For Once In My Life. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Keep Smiling At Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Thursday, April 11, 2024, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” on January 18, 1967, for his album For Once In My Life. It was arranged and conducted by Marion Evans.

“Out Of This World,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Saturday, October 1, 2022, is “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me).”

About This Song

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” was written in 1931 by George and Ira Gershwin for the Broadway musical Of Thee I Sing. It’s one of their very popular songs with many fine recordings, including those by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland. Tony Bennett sang this song regularly in his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” on July 18, 1967, for the album For Once In My Life. His pianist John Bunch wrote the arrangement.

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me),” as well as For One In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Keep Smiling at Trouble

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 27, 2022, is “Keep Smiling at Trouble.”

About This Song

“Keep Smiling at Trouble” was written in 1924 by Lewis Gensler, with lyrics by Al Jolson and Buddy DeSylva. The song was first recorded by Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians in 1924, with vocals by his brother, Tom Waring. Other noted recordings were by Jolson, Ruby Braff, Tommy Dorsey, Della Reese, and Bobby Hackett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Keep Smiling At Trouble” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. The very fine arrangement was written by Ralph Burns.

“Keep Smiling at Trouble,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Baby, Dream Your Dream

The song of the day for Thursday, January 20, 2022, is “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”

About This Song

“Baby, Dream Your Dream” was written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the 1966 musical Sweet Charity. The show was directed by Bob Fosse and starred Gwen Verdon. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” was introduced by Helen Gallagher and Thelma Oliver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby, Dream Your Dream” in December 1965, featuring an arrangement by Johnny Mandel. It was released in 1966 as a single and also appeared on Bennett’s 1967 album For Once In My Life.

“Baby, Dream Your Dream,” as well as is available on Apple Music.

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