The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Waltz for Debby

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 5, 2021, is “Waltz for Debby.”

About This Song

Bill Evans composed this song 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 and Bill Evans recorded “Waltz for Debby” in 1975 for their first album, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album.

Waltz For Debby

Listen to Waltz For Debby on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1975.

“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: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 6, 2021, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (“Corcovado” in the original Portuguese) was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1960; the English lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. It is one of the great early bossa nova songs. 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” in 1962 for the album I Wanna Be Around, which was released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)

Listen to Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1963.

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

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Song of the Day: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Monday, March 22, 2021, is “The Right to Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written by Lalo Schifrin in 1963; the lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. This song has an interesting history. It 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” in 1965 for his album If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set. It was arranged by Don Costa.

The Right To Love

Listen to The Right To Love on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1965.

“The Right to Love,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterday I Heard The Rain

The song of the day for is “Yesterday I Heard The Rain.”

The Year of Tony Bennett joins music lovers from all over in mourning for Armando Manzanero, composer of today’s song, who died on December 28, 2020, from Covid-19.

About This Song

Entitled “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, is one of Armando Manzanero’s most highly regarded songs, written in 1968. Born in 1935, Manzanero studied music in Mexico City and composed his first song at the age of 15. At the age of 16, 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. Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” in 1968 for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

Yesterday I Heard The Rain (Esta Tarde Vi Llover)

Listen to Yesterday I Heard The Rain (Esta Tarde Vi Llover) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1968.

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain,” as well as the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 27, 2020, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (“Corcovado” in the original Portuguese) was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim, with English lyrics by Gene Lees. 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” in 1962 for the album I Wanna Be Around. The arrangement is by Marty Manning.

Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)

Listen to Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1963.

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

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