The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Sunday, September 25, 2022, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written by Lalo Schifrin and Gene Lees. According to the website Film Score Monthly, 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. 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. Don Costa wrote the arrangement.

“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 Musi

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Sunday, August 28, 2022, is Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, with English lyrics by Gene Lees. Known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” this is one 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” on December 19, 1962, and released it in 1962 on the album I Wanna Be Around. It was arranged by Marty Manning.

“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: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 4, 2022, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (“Corcovado” in the original Portuguese) written by Antonio Carlos Jobim in 1960 is one of the great early bossa nova songs. The English lyrics were written 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” for his 1963 album I Wanna Be Around. 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: 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

Tony Bennett, Bill Evans · The Tony Bennett / Bill Evans Album (Expanded Edition) · 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. Song · Tony Bennett · 1963

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