An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett
We’re driving the blues away with the Song of the Day for September 28, 2012: Shall We Dance.
Shall We Dance was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film of the same name, with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. It’s a great number and we’re happy to present the scene from the film:
Tony Bennett recorded Shall We Dance for his tribute album to Fred Astaire, Steppin’ Out, released in 1993.
The Song of the Day for August 23, 2012 is Love Is Here to Stay.
About Love Is Here to StayWritten by George and Ira Gershwin, Love Is Here to Stay is popular jazz and popular song standard. It was written for the 1938 movie The Goldwyn Follies, which was released after George Gershwin’s untimely death. Originally, the song was called It’s Here to Stay, but later changed to Our Love Is Here to Stay. However, it was finally published as Love Is Here to Stay. The song was the main theme for the 1955 film American in Paris. It has been sung by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Blossom Dearie, and even Barry Manilow and Brian Wilson.
This version is from Tony Bennett’s 1959 album, Hometown, My Town. The album is an ode to New York and is among Mr. Bennett’s best. It is certainly a favorite at The Year of Tony Bennett.
The Song of the Day for July 25, 2012 is Strike Up the Band by George and Ira Gershwin from the recently remastered release of Bennett & Basie Strike Up the Band. Recorded in January 1958. I love Tony Bennett playing with Count Basie and I hope you do too.