The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, May 6, 2023, 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 March 1, 1960, for his album Alone Together. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Put On A Happy Face

The song of the day for Monday, August 15. 2022, 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 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” on May 6, 1960, with an arrangement by Frank Devol. It was released as a single in 1960 and was added to Bennett’s 1962 compilation of Broadway songs he recorded between 1953 and 1961: Mr. Broadway: Tony’s Greatest Broadway Hits.

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

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, August 13, 2022, 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 March 1, 1960; the recording was released in 1960 on the album Alone Together. Frank Devol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 10, 2022, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the 1944 film of the same name, starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. David 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” on November 10, 1959, for the 1960 album To My Wonderful One. It was arranged by Frank DeVol.

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

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Song of the Day: Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye

The song of the day for Thursday, June 9, 2022, is “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of the great Cole Porter, who was born in Peru, Indiana on June 9, 1891. You can find more about Cole Porter on coleporter.org. And, as you read this, the Cole Porter Festival is taking place in Peru: from June 9 through June 12, 2022. You can read more about this festival at coleporterfestival.org.

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” in 1944 for the Billy Rose musical revue Seven Lively Arts. The song is well known for the phrase “change from major to minor” as the song itself changed from A-flat major to A-flat minor, matching the lyric perfectly. It has always been a substantial jazz standard. Significant recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Mabel Mercer, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” on April 8, 1958, for the album Long Ago And Far Away. Frank DeVol wrote the very fine arrangement.

“Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” as well as Long Ago And Far Away is available on Apple Music.

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