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 Thursday, January 25, 2024, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written ca. 1963 by Lalo Schifrin and Gene Lees. 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 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: The Right To Love

The song of the day for Thursday, September 21, 2023, is “The Right To Love.”

About This Song

“The Right To Love” was written in 1963 by Lalo Schifrin, with lyrics by Gene Lees. 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.

“The Right To Love” has been searched for on this site more than any other song Tony Bennett recorded.

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. It was arranged by Don Costa.

“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, August 20, 2023, is “Yesterday I Heard The Rain.”

About This Song

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain” was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero, with English lyrics by Gene Lees. Entitled “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, it 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 recorded “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” on February 26, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Monday, April 10, 2023, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim. The English lyrics were written by Gene Lees. Known in the original Portuguese as “Corcovado,” this 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” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

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

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Song of the Day: Yesterday I Heard The Rain

The song of the day for Friday, October 7, 2022, is “Yesterday I Heard The Rain.”

About This Song

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain,” or “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero. Gene Lees wrote the English lyrics. 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 recorded “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” on February 26, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

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