The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Put On A Happy Face

The song of the day for Friday, May 6, 2021, is “Put On A Happy Face.”

About This Song

“Put On A Happy Face” was written by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1960 Broadway musical Bye, Bye Birdie, based loosely on the story of Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army in 1957.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Put On A Happy Face” 61 years ago today on May 6, 1960 for his album, Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, released in 1962. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement.

Put On A Happy Face

Listen to Put On A Happy Face on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Put On A Happy Face,” as well as Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: April in Paris

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 20, 2021, is “April in Paris.”

About This Song

“April in Paris” was written in 1932 by Vernon Duke and Yip Harburg for the Broadway musical Walk A Little Faster. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it “… a perfect theater song.”

About This Version

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

April in Paris

Listen to April in Paris on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1960.

“April in Paris,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available from Apple Music.

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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

Listen to Poor Butterfly 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

Listen to Laura on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1960.

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

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