The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I’m A Fool To Want You

The song of the day for Saturday, February 27, 2021, is “I’m A Fool To Want You.”

About This Song

“I’m A Fool To Want You” was written in 1951 by Joel S. Herron, Frank Sinatra, and Jack Wolf. Though Frank Sinatra was one of songwriters and sung it as well, “I’m a Fool to Want You” may be most identified with Billie Holiday, who recorded it 1958 for her album Lady in Satin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m A Fool To Want You” for his 1960 album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol.

I’m A Fool To Want You

Listen to I’m A Fool To Want You on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1960.

“I’m A Fool To Want You,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Poor Butterfly

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 23, 2021, is “Poor Butterfly.”

About This Song

“Poor Butterfly” was written in 1916 by Raymond Hubbell and John Golden. The song was inspired by Giacomo Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly; the verse references the Puccini melody briefly.The song was written for a 1916 Broadway show called The Big Show, where it was introduced by Sophie Bernard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Poor Butterfly” for his 1960 album Alone Together. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

Poor Butterfly – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Poor Butterfly – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“Poor Butterfly,” as well as Alone Together, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Friday, January 22, 2021, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written for the 1944 film of the same name by Davis Raksin, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. Raksin was known as a film composer (he also wrote the title song for “The Bad and the Beautiful,” which is included on the Bill Evans-Tony Bennett album Together Again), his compositions are often jazz standards. “Laura” has been recorded many times, by both singers and instrumentalists.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Laura” in 1959 for his album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

Laura – 2011 Remaster

Listen to Laura – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1960.

“Laura,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: It Amazes Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 19, 2021, is “It Amazes Me.”

About This Song

Written in 1958, “It Amazes Me” is one of the non-theatrical popular songs written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. Liza Minnelli recorded this song when she was only eighteen years old on her first album. It has also been recorded by Bill Evans, George Shearing, and Cleo Laine.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Amazes Me” in 1959 for his album Long Ago and Far Away. Frank DeVol did the arrangement. Bennett has sung this song at all of the dozen or so concerts of his I’ve attended.

It Amazes Me – 2011 Remaster

Listen to It Amazes Me – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1958.

“It Amazes Me,” as well as Long Ago and Far Away, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: After You’ve Gone

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 10, 2020, is “After You’ve Gone.”

About This Song

“After You’ve Gone” was written in 1918 by Turner Layton and Henry Creamer. Originally recorded by Marion Harris in 1918, “After You’ve Gone” has found a solid place in the jazz and popular songbook. Recorded by Bennett as a ballad, the song works for a variety of tempos both as an instrumental and a vocal. Louis Armstrong recorded an up-tempo swing version in 1929.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “After You’ve Gone” in 1960 for the album Alone Together. Frank DeVol did the arrangement and orchestration.

After You’ve Gone – 2011 Remaster

Listen to After You’ve Gone – 2011 Remaster on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1961.

“After You’ve Gone,” as well as Alone Together, is available from Apple Music.

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