The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Shall We Dance

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 1, 2021, is “Shall We Dance.”

About This Song

“Shall We Dance” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Astaire and Rogers film Shall We Dance. Gershwin wrote a series of songs for this film that demonstrated the different styles of dance and choreography, including ballet, waltzes, and more. Other great songs from this score include “They Can’t Take Away From Me” and “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Shall We Dance” in 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon did the arrangement.

“Shall We Dance,” as well as Steppin’ Out is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Somebody Loves Me

The song of the day for Tuesday, November 16, 2021, is “Somebody Loves Me.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes the wonderful Diana Krall a very happy birthday!

About This Song

“Somebody Loves Me” was written by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ballard MacDonald, for George White’s Scandals of 1924. Popular early recordings include those by Paul Whiteman and Cliff Edwards, also known as Ukulele Ike. Other recordings include those by Dave Brubeck, Ella Fitzgerald, Fletcher Henderson, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and many more.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “Somebody Loves Me” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay with The Bill Charlap Trio (Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums).

“Somebody Loves Me,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay is available on Apple Music.

Tony and Diana did this story on NPR about their album.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Sunday, July 18, 2021, is “Who Cares.”

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote “Who Cares” in 1931 for the Broadway musical Of Thee I Sing. It’s one of their very popular songs with many fine recordings, including those by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares” 54 years ago today, July 18, 1967, at one of the recording sessions for the album For Once In My Life. The recording didn’t make to the original release of the album but was added for the CD in 2011 Complete Collection box set release. Bennett’s pianist, John Bunch, wrote the arrangement.

Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me)

Listen to Who Cares (So Long As You Care for Me) on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1967.

“Who Cares,” as well as For Once In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Love Is Here To Stay

The song of the day for Sunday, June 6, 2021, is “Love Is Here To Stay.”

About This Song

“Love Is Here To Stay” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1937 for The Goldwyn Follies movie, which was released after George Gershwin’s death. It’s also known as “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” but the published title of the song omits the “Our.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Love Is Here To Stay” in 1959 for Hometown, My Town and again most recently with Diana Krall on their album Love Is Here To Stay. Today’s recording is from his 1962 appearance at Carnegie Hall, captured on the release of Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Our Love Is Here to Stay (From "The Goldwyn Follies") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Our Love Is Here to Stay (From "The Goldwyn Follies") (with Ralph Sharon & his Orchestra) - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Love Is Here To Stay,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.
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Song of the Day: Strike Up The Band

The song of the day for Monday, May 31, 2021, is “Strike Up The Band.”

About This Song

“Strike Up the Band” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1927 musical of the same name. Although Strike Up the Band was not a big hit on Broadway, the song became extremely popular. When Gershwin moved to Los Angeles, he was approached by UCLA to help with a fight song and so he contributed “Strike Up the Band for UCLA”, which is still played at all football and home basketball games at the university.

About This Recording

Tony Bennett recorded “Strike Up The Band” with Count Basie and His Orchestra in 1959 for his album Basie/Bennett. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon.

Strike up the Band (Strike up the Band) - 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to Strike up the Band (Strike up the Band) - 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Count Basie · Song · 1959.

“Strike Up The Band,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from Apple Music.

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