The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Tony Live! The Girl I Love

The song of the day for Sunday, July 26, 2020, is “The Girl I Love.”

About This Song

“The Girl I Love” was originally written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1924 Broadway musical Lady, Be Good, though it was cut from that production. It was used again in 1927 for Strike Up The Band, but that production closed out of town. The lyrics were revised to “The Man I Love” for the 1928 Rosalie, but was cut from that production as well. In spite of all that, it rightly has its place as one of the great songs in the American Songbook. Notable recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Forrest, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Helen Morgan, and many, many more.

About This Version

Tony Bennett performed “The Girl I Love” in his 1994 live television performance for MTV Unplugged. Bennett gives everyone in the trio the spotlight for a short solo.

“The Girl I Love,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

Thanks to YouTube, we have the video for “The Girl I Love.”

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Song of the Day: Love Is Here To Stay

The song of the day for Wednesday, June 17, 2020, 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 and Diana Krall recorded “Love Is Here To Stay” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. They are accompanied by the wonderful Bill Charlap Trio, featuring Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums.

“Love Is Here To Stay,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available from Apple Music.

Here’s the lovely video for this song:

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Saturday, September 28, 2019, is “Who Cares.”

About Today

Today marks the end of our salute to George Gershwin. Focusing on his music only, cements my opinion that these songs will never sound old or dated. It’s been a real pleasure to present some of these wonderful songs.

About This Song

George and Ira Gershwin wrote this song 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. Tony Bennett sings this song regularly in his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares” in 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out. Tony and Ralph Sharon arranged the song and Sharon’s piano on this recording is exceptional.

“Who Cares,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Love Walked In

The song of the day for Friday, September 27, 2019, is “Love Walked In.”

About This Song

George Gershwin wrote the music for “Love Walked In” in 1930; Ira Gershwin added the lyrics in 1937 for the movie The Goldwyn Follies, released in 1938. There have been many fine recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armsstrong, Bing Crosby, and Artie Shaw.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love Walked In” in 1956 for his second album, Tony, released in 1957.

“Love Walked In,” as well as Tony, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: They All Laughed

The song of the day for Thursday, September 26, 2019, is “They All Laughed.”

About This Song

“They All Laughed” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1937 for the film Shall We Dance.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “They All Laughed” in 1993 for the album Steppin’ Out. The song was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“They All Laughed,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

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