The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

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.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Sunday, July 18, 2021, is “Who Cares.”

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote “Who Cares” in 1931 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.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares” 54 years ago today, July 18, 1967, at one of the recording sessions for the album For Once In My Life. The recording didn’t make to the original release of the album but was added for the CD in 2011 Complete Collection box set release. Bennett’s pianist, John Bunch, wrote the arrangement.

Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me)

Listen to Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“Who Cares,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Keep Smiling At Trouble

The song of the day for Thursday, May 27, 2021, 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. It 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” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement.

Keep Smiling At Trouble (Trouble"s A Bubble)

Listen to Keep Smiling At Trouble (Trouble"s A Bubble) on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

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

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Monday, May 17, 2021, 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 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 Gershwins’ finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” in 1967 for his album For Once In My Life. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

They Can"t Take That Away From Me

Listen to They Can"t Take That Away From Me on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available from Apple Music.

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