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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

May 7, 2016 By Suzanne 2 Comments

By Request: How Do You Keep The Music Playing?

I had a request for this song today. It’s the birthday of one of our most faithful readers, Aida, from the Russian Tony Bennett Fan Club. Here’s a link to their site, if you’re interested. “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” is one of Aida’s favorite songs, and one of mine as well. I’m more than happy to fulfill the request to talk about this song.

It was written in 1982 by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, for the film Best Friends, which starred Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn. I love the music of Michel Legrand and absolutely adore the lyrics of Alan and Marilyn Bergman. (Ten seconds into “The Way We Were” sung by Barbara Streisand and I’m crying my eyes out. It’s a Pavlovian response at this point).

The first recording of this song was a duet by James Ingram and Patti Austin.

How Do You Keep The Music Playing

Listen to How Do You Keep The Music Playing on Spotify. James Ingram · Song · 1983.

Tony Bennett first recorded “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” in 1986 for his album The Art of Excellence.

How Do You Keep The Music Playing?

Listen to How Do You Keep The Music Playing? on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1986.

But how did Tony come to record this song in the first place? He tells the story in his autobiography The Good Life, while discussing the album The Art of Excellence:

I included a song on that album called “How Do You Keep The Music Playing?” by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, which I had first heard Sinatra sing. One night I went to see Frank perform at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles.I know no idea he knew I was there, but right after he finished singing the song, he said to me, in full view of thousands of people, ‘Tony! You should sing this song!’ How could I refuse?

I’ve heard him sing this song in concert and it completely blew me away. But the performance that really blew me away was the duet he did with Aretha Franklin for Duets II. Sheer, wonderful perfection.

I dare you to see that tear in Bennett’s eye at the end of the song, followed by his glorious smile, and not be moved.

Happy Birthday, Aida!

Filed Under: Songs Tagged With: Alan Bergman, Aretha Franklin, Duets II, George Benson, James Ingram, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand, Patti Austin, The Art of Excellence

May 7, 2016 By Suzanne 1 Comment

Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Saturday, April 7, 2016 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Cheek To Cheek” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded Cheek To Cheek in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. This recording features George Benson on guitar.

Cheek to Cheek

Listen to Cheek to Cheek on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1987.


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Once again it’s video Saturday. Here’s a more recent version of today’s song, featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga from their PBS special.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bennett/Berlin, George Benson, Irving Berlin, Lady Gaga, Top Hat

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