The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: That’s Entertainment

The song of the day for Friday, May 29, 2015 is “That’s Entertainment.”

About This Song

“That’s Entertainment” was written in 1952 by Arthur Schwartz (music) and Howard Dietz (lyrics) for the film The Band Wagon, released in 1953. It also served as the theme song for the very popular That’s Entertainment movie, released in 1974, featuring the greatest MGM musical songs and dances.

About This Version

Tony Bennett seems to be having a great time with “That’s Entertainment.” He not only sings the verse (!) but gives out shout to ‘Show Biz’ with a funny growl at the end. That’s entertainment!

That"s Enterainment

Listen to That"s Enterainment on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1993

“That’s Entertainment,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

Today’s video features the song as sung in The Band Wagon, featuring Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray and Oscar Levant! It’s a funny number, with a lot of hoofing and silliness.

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Song of the Day: Irving Berlin Medley

The song(s) of the day for Tuesday, May 26, 205 is the medley of “You’re Easy To Dance With,” “Change Partners” and “Cheek To Cheek.”

About These Songs

All of the songs in this medley were written by Irving Berlin and were introduced in movies starring Fred Astaire.

“You’re Easy To Dance With” was written for the 1942 movie Holiday Inn.

“Cheek To Cheek” was written for the 1935 movie Top Hat.

“Change Partners” was written for the 1938 movie Carefree.

About This Version

Tony Bennett seems to be having a great time singing this medley. The arrangement has a nice dance beat and is sweet and light on its toes.

You"re Easy to Dance With / Change Partners / Cheek to Cheek

Listen to You"re Easy to Dance With / Change Partners / Cheek to Cheek on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1993


This medley, as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

And of course, we have videos!

First, “Change Partners” from Carefree:

And, “Cheek To Cheek” from Top Hat:

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Song of the Day: Shall We Dance

The song of the day for Saturday, May 23, 2015 is “Shall We Dance.”

About This Song

Today’s song is, of course, the title song for the 1937 Astaire and Rogers film Shall We Dance and was written by George and Ira Gershwin. George Gershwin wrote a series of songs for this film that demonstrated the different styles of dance and choreography, including ballet, waltzes and more. Other great songs from this score include “They Can’t Take Away From Me” and “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off.”

About This Version

I love this song … Mr. Bennett sings it at a similar tempo and with the same energy as the song has in the film. This version dances on air, just as Mr. Astaire does.

https://open.spotify.com/track/2BoqVh44HRvLWKPdFCzjcs
“Shall We Dance,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

And, of course, we have Mr. Astaire and Miss Rogers dancing away …

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Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 19, 2015 is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote this song (and eight others) for the 1937 film Damsel In Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Once again, Tony Bennett totally wins my heart by singing the verse! It’s a sweet arrangement with lovely piano from Ralph Sharon.

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Listen to Nice Work If You Can Get It on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1993


“Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

And here is the Fred Astaire in an amazing dance to today’s song from Damsel in Distress:

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Song of the Day: You’re All The World To Me

The song of the day for Sunday, May 17, 2015 is “You’re All The World To Me.”

About This Song

“You’re All The World To Me” was written for the 1951 MGM musical Royal Wedding by Burton Lane (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics).The film starred Fred Astaire. Astaire performed this song in one of the most famous shots in all of musical film: the dancing on the ceiling number.

About This Version

I really enjoy this recording of “You’re All The World To Me.” The arrangement, especially with the brushes on the drums, does a wonderful job of suggesting the danceability of the number. There is a wonderful airiness to his singing. The more I listen to Steppin’ Out, the more I love the album. Mr. Bennett also sang this song on his MTV Unplugged concert.

You"re All the World to Me

Listen to You"re All the World to Me on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1993

“You’re All The World To Me,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

Here is Fred Astaire singing and dancing to “You’re All The World To Me.”

For you film buffs, this video shows the mechanics of how this shot was accomplished:

The person who created this explanation explains it second-by-second on his website Bigfott.com.