The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: He Loves And She Loves

The Song of the Day for October 26, 2012 is He Loves And She Loves.

About He Loves And She Loves

George and Ira Gershwin wrote this song in 1927. It was used in the 1927 Broadway musical Funny Face and was sung by Fred Astaire in the film of the same name in 1957. Mr. Astaire also starred in the 1927 musical!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this song for his 1993 album Steppin’ Out, a tribute to his friend Fred Astaire. This album contains songs introduced and made famous by Mr. Astaire. If you are fan of Fred Astaire (and how could you not be?), The Year of Tony Bennett highly recommends this album.

Mr. Bennett’s version of this song, while reflecting Mr. Astaire’s performance in Funny Face, has a slightly slower tempo, turning the song into a ballad that touches the heart. Well, mine anyway. We also present Fred Astaire’s version of the same song.

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Song of the Day: Steppin’ Out With My Baby

The Song of the Day for October 6, 2012 is Steppin’ Out With My Baby

About Steppin’ Out With My Baby

Written by Irving Berlin, Steppin’ Out With My Baby was introduced in the 1949 film Easter Parade, sung by Fred Astaire.

About This Version

We highlight this song in preparation for Mr. Bennett’s upcoming Viva Duets, which will include a duet of this song with Christina Aguilera.

This version is from Tony Bennett’s tribute album to Fred Astaire, Steppin’ Out, from 1993, as compiled on The Essential Tony Bennett album. He also sang it at his 1994 MTV Unplugged live television show.

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Song of the Day: Shall We Dance

We’re driving the blues away with the Song of the Day for September 28, 2012: Shall We Dance.

About Shall We Dance

Shall We Dance was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film of the same name, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. It’s a great number and we’re happy to present the scene from the film:

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded Shall We Dance for his tribute album to Fred Astaire, Steppin’ Out, released in 1993.

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

The Song of the Day for September 20, 2012 is Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

About Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

Written by Irving Berlin for 1935 film Top Hat, Isn’t This a Lovely Day? was introduced by Fred Astaire.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded Isn’t This a Lovely Day? with the Ralph Sharon Trio for his 1987 Bennett / Berlin album.  This arrangement features especially lovely piano work by Mr. Sharon.

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

The Song of the Day for August 30, 2012 is You’re All The World To Me.

About You’re All The World To Me

You’re All The World To Me was written in 1950 by Burton Lane (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics). It premiered in the 1951 Royal Wedding,starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song in the famous “dancing on the ceiling” scene.

About This Version

This version is from Tony Bennett’s 1993 Stepping Out, his tribute to Fred Astaire.

A Special Treat

Here’s the famous dance from Royal Wedding. Note that the entire number is done in a single take. The entire set of the room and the camera was attached to an axis  rotated through the number. It was a revolutionary effect that was used in later films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey and most recently, Inception.