The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In The Wee Small Hours

The song of the day for Sunday, June 2, 2024, is “In The Wee Small Hours.”

About This Song

“In The Wee Small Hours” was written in 1955 by David Mann and Bob Hilliard. This song is, of course, widely identified with Frank Sinatra, who anchored his well-received concept album In the Wee Small Hours around this song. Interestingly, the song almost didn’t get written. The two songwriters were working in Hilliard’s home in New Jersey. It was well past midnight and Mann was getting ready to leave for home in New York. Hilliard urged him to stay and Mann came up with the tune, to which Hilliard quickly wrote the lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In The Wee Small Hours” on February 26, 1964, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon. The recording was released on A Time For Love in 1966.

“In The Wee Small Hours,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: New York, New York

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, is “New York, New York.”

About This Song

“New York, New York” was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb for the 1977 Martin Scorsese film, New York, New York. It was written for Liza Minelli, who performed it in the movie. It is, for many, the quintessential New York song. The American Film Institute ranked it #31 on the AFIs list of the top 100 songs written for film.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra recorded “New York, New York” in 1993 for Frank Sinatra: Duets, released on Capital Records. The recording was also released on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2 in the 2011 Complete Collection box set.

“New York, New York,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ll Be Seeing You

The song of the day for Monday, December 4, 2023, is “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

About This Song

“I’ll Be Seeing You” was written in 1938 by Sammy Fain, with lyrics by Irving Kahal. The song grew to fame during World War II, becoming an anthem for soldiers serving overseas and their loved ones left at home. It’s been recorded by Billie Holiday, Al Hirt, Lisa Minelli, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee and Willie Nelson.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ll Be Seeing You” in June 1992 for his tribute album to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“I’ll Be Seeing You,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Indian Summer

The song of the day for Thursday, October 5, 2023, is “Indian Summer.”

About This Song

“Indian Summer” was composed by Victor Herbert in 1919. However, “Indian Summer” did not become a hit until bands picked it up in the early 1940s (this may have coincided with the addition of the lyrics by Al Dubin in 1939). Frank Sinatra recorded with Tommy Dorsey in 1940. Other recordings include those by Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller, Sidney Bechet, and Sarah Vaughan.

About This Version

Tony Bennet recorded “Indian Summer” in June 1992 for Bennett’s tribute album to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Indian Summer,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Night and Day

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 8, 2023, is “Night and Day.”

About This Song

Cole Porter wrote “Night and Day” for the 1932 musical Gay Divorce, which was introduced by Fred Astaire. The song became and still is quite popular and certainly a standard in the American songbook. Significant recordings include those by Art Tatum, Bill Evans, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Django Reinhardt.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Night and Day” in June 1992 for his album of songs associated with Frank Sinatra: Perfectly Frank. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

“Night and Day,” as well as Perfectly Frank is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Sinatra’s recording of “Night and Day”