The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” was in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. The song has a serene quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Monday, January 20, 2025, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was in 1963 by Lalo Schifrin; the lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. The song was first recorded, without lyrics, in 1963 on an album called Reflections by Stan Getz and Lalo Schifrin. Tony Bennett liked the song from the beginning and suggested that Gene Lees write the lyrics. The resulting song is an anthem for “forbidden” love. At that time, most people associated the song with interracial relationships; in later years, it has been sung by gay singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, this song has been recorded by Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, and k.d. lang.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Right To Love” on February 18,1965, for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For the Jet Set. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“The Right To Love,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For the Jet Set, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterday I Heard the Rain

The song of the day for Sunday, November 24. 2024, is “Yesterday I Heard the Rain.”

About This Song

“Yesterday I Heard the Rain” was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero; Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. Titled “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, is one of Armando Manzanero’s most highly regarded songs. Born in 1935, Manzanero studied music in Mexico City and composed his first song at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he became a professional pianist. His songs, like “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” are beautiful and romantic songs. He is considered to be one of the most successful composers from Latin America.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Alejandro Sanz recorded “Yesterday I Heard the Rain” in 2011 for Duets II. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Yesterday I Heard the Rain,” as well as Duets II, is available on Apple Music.

Duets II won the 54th Annual Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Album.

We also have the official video for this recording.

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Song of the Day: Waltz For Debby

The song of the day for Monday, June 10, 2024, is “Waltz For Debby.”

About Today

Forty-nine years ago, Bill Evans and Tony Bennett spent June 10-13, 1975, recording songs for their first album, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album. For the next four days, The Year of Tony Bennett will features songs from this album.

About This Song

Bill Evans composed “Waltz For Debby” in 1956, soon after leaving the armed services. He wrote it for his young niece, Debby, the daughter of his brother Harold. With the lyrics by Gene Lees, “Waltz For Debby” became a standard for jazz and popular singers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Waltz For Debby” in June 1975 for their first album, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album. Tony Bennett had previously recorded “Waltz For Debby” in 1964 for his album Who Can I Turn To.

“Waltz For Debby,” as well as The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Sunday, May 26, 2024, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written in 1963 by Lalo Schifrin and was first recorded, without lyrics, for an album called Reflections, with Schfrin and Stan Getz. From the beginning, Tony Bennett liked the song and suggested that Gene Lees write the lyrics. The resulting song is an anthem for “forbidden” love. At that time, most people associated the song with interracial relationships; in later years, it has been sung by gay singers. In addition to Bennett’s recording, this song has been recorded by Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, and k.d. lang.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Right To Love” on February 18, 1965, for If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, with a fine arrangement by Don Costa. Next to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Right To Love” is the most searched-for song on this site.

“The Right To Love,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, is available on Apple Music.