The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: For Once In My Life

The song of the day for Saturday, August 10, 2019, is “For Once In My Life.”

About This Song

“For Once In My Life” was written in 1967 by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for the Motown Record’s Jobete publishing company. This song not only found success as a Motown song, with recordings by Stevie Wonder and Jean duShon, but also as a popular standard, starting with Tony Bennett’s recording in 1967. Thanks to Tony Bennett’s recording of the song, it’s been sung by other popular and jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “For Once In My Life” in 1967 for the album For Once In My Life. The arrangement was written by Torrie Zito.

For Once In My Life

Listen to For Once In My Life on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1967

“For Once In My Life,” as well as the album of the same name, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 29, 2019, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

This song 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 recorded this version of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” in 1967 for the album For Once In My Life, with a fine arrangement by Torrie Zito. Burt Collins on the flugelhorn is the featured soloist.

They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Remastered

They Can’t Take That Away From Me – Remastered, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Baby, Dream Your Dream

The song of the day for Saturday, April 20, 2019, is “Baby, Dream Your Dream.”

About This Song

“Baby, Dream Your Dream” was one of the hit songs from the very successful Cy Coleman – Dorothy Fields 1966 musical Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse and starring Gwen Verdon along with the book by Neil Simon. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” was sung by Helen Gallagher and Thelma Oliver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby, Dream Your Dream” in December 1965; it was released as single in 1966 to coincide with the Broadway premiere of Sweet Charity in January 1966. Johnny Mandel did the arrangement, which I really love. The recording was also used on Bennett’s 1967 album For Once In My Life.

Baby, Dream Your Dream – 2011 Remaster

Baby, Dream Your Dream – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Baby, Dream Your Dream,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available from iTunes.

About Today

After several years of doing video Saturdays, I thought it was time for something new. I’ll be doing some special on Sundays, starting tomorrow and I think you’ll like it a lot! Stay tuned!

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Monday, April 8, 2019, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

This song 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” in 1967 for the album For Once In My Life. Marion Evans wrote the terrific arrangement.

Out Of This World – 2011 Remaster

Out Of This World – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Out Of This World,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available from iTunes.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Sunday, March 3, 2019, 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 this version of “Out Of This World” in 1967 for the album For Once In My Life. The great arrangement is by Marion Evans.

Out Of This World – 2011 Remaster

Out Of This World – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Out Of This World,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available from iTunes.

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