The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It

The song of the day for Saturday, November 30, 2024, is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

About This Song

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 movie A Damsel In Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Love Is Here To Stay. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement. The Bill Charlap accompanied the album with Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums.

Love Is Here To Stay won the 61st Grammy Best Traditional Pop Album Award.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.

Here is Fred Astaire dancing to “Nice Work If You Can Get It” from A Damsel In Distress.

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Song of the Day: They Can’t Take That Away From Me

The song of the day for Friday, November 8, 2024, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire–Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs Astaire introduced in his films, no dance number was associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on October 16, 1967, for the album For Once In My Life. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Do It Again

The song of the day for September 26, 2024, is “Do It Again.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of the great George Gershwin, born on September 26, 1989, in Brooklyn, NY. He See Gershwin.com to learn more about his work.

About This Song

“Do It Again” was written in 1922 by George Gershwin and Buddy DeSylva. Gershwin was in a meeting with his publisher, Max Dreyfus, when DeSylva walked in and said “Let’s write a hit!” Gershwin started composing on the spot. DeSylva listened for a few minutes and then sang “Oh, do it again.” Gershwin played the song at parties when it was heard by Irene Bordoni, who wanted to perform it in her show The French Doll. It’s been widely recorded, including a wonderful Judy Garland recording from her 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, released on Judy at Carnegie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “Do It Again” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. The Bill Charlap Trio backed the singers on this album and Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“Do It Again,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It

The song of the day for Thursday, August 29, 2024, is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

About This Song

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Damsel In Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Nice Work If You Can Get It” in July 1993 for his album of Fred Astaire songs, Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire’s performance of “Nice Work If You Can Get It” from Damsel In Distress, where he partners with a drum kit:

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Song of the Day: They Can’t Take Away From Me

The song of the day for Sunday, August 25, 2024, is “They Can’t Take Away From Me.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birthday of Declan Patrick MacManus OBE, better known by his stage name Elvis Costello. He was born on August 25, 1954. Elvis duetted with Tony Bennett on today’s song.

About This Song

“They Can’t Take Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1936 for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello recorded “They Can’t Take Away From Me” live on April 12, 1994, for Tony Bennett’s MTV Unplugged television program.

MTV Unplugged won the 1994 Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“They Can’t Take Away From Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Elvis and Tony singing today’s song:

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