The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Laura

The song of the day for Friday, August 30, 2024, is “Laura.”

About This Song

“Laura” was written in 1944 by David Raksin and Johnny Mercer for the film of the same name, 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), and 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 29, 1959, for the album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. It was arranged by Frank DeVol. On a side note, Bucky Pizzarelli played guitar on this album.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: April in Paris

The song of the day for Monday, April 1, 2024, is “April in Paris.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “April in Paris” on November 12, 1959, for the album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. It was arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Tenderly

The song of the day for Friday, November 10, 2023, is “Tenderly.”

About This Song

“Tenderly” was written in 1946 by Walter Gross and Jack Lawrence. It was originally written in 3/4 time, but morphed into 4/4 time and became a jazz standard. Significant recordings include those by Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Tenderly” 64 years ago today on November 10, 1959, for his album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. Frank DeVol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: September Song

The song of the day for Monday, September 25, 2023, is “September Song.”

About This Song

“September Song” was written by Kirt Weill and Maxwell Anderson for the Broadway musical Knickerbocker Holiday, which opened in 1938 starring Walter Huston. Huston had requested a solo song in the production, so Weill and Anderson wrote “September Song” with careful attention to Huston’s limited singing skills. In spite of a limited range, the poignant quality of the lyrics and the charming tune make for a quite pleasant song that has found great popularity among singers, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and even Lou Reed.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “September Song” on November 11, 1959, for his album To My Wonderful One, released in 1960. It was arranged and conducted by Frank Devol.

“September Song,” as well as To My Wonderful One, is available on Apple Music.

By 1 Comment

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.