The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: I Got Rhythm

The song of the day for Thursday, December 7, 2023, is “I Got Rhythm.”

About This Song

“I Got Rhythm” was written in 1928 by George and Ira Gershwin. Gershwin originally wrote this song with a slow tempo for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl. In 1930 for Girl Crazy, he decided on a faster rhythm. The song was introduced by Ethel Merman and became wildly popular based on her performance. Artists including Miss Merman, Fred Astaire, John Pizzarelli, and Ethel Waters have recorded it many times. It’s one of the great jazz standards.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sang “I Got Rhythm” live on September 15, 2016, for his 90th birthday celebration, which resulted in Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, which includes performances by guest stars such as Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, Elton John, and k.d. lang, as well as Tony Bennett singing live.

“I Got Rhythm,” as well as Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got a Crush on You

The song of the day for Thursday, November 16, 2023 is “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Diana Krall a very happy birthday today. Miss Krall was born on November 16, 1964, in Nanaimo, Canada. She first sang with Tony Bennett in his MTV Unplugged album in 1994 and has sung duets with Tony on Playin’ With My Friends, Duets: An American Classic, Duets II, and their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. You can learn more about Diana Krall at dianakrall.com.

About This Song

“I’ve Got a Crush on You” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl, where it was introduced by Clifton Webb and May Hay and was used again in 1930 for Strike Up The Band, where it was sung by Doris Caron and Gordon Smith. It’s been widely sung by jazz vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “I’ve Got a Crush on You” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay, released in 2018. It was arranged by Diana Krall and Bill Charlap.

“I’ve Got a Crush on You,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.

Diana Krall also sang this solo on Love Is Here To Stay:

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Song of the Day: My One and Only

The song of the day for Thursday, November 9, 2023, is “My One and Only.”

About This Song

“My One and Only” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1927 musical Funny Face, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire, Betty Compton, and Gertrude McDonald. The original title was “(What Am I Gonna Do) If You Turn Me Down.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “My One and Only” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement and co-produced the album with Dae Bennett, Tony’s son. The Bill Charlap Trio accompanied the album with Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums.

“My One and Only,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Monday, November 6, 2023, is “Who Cares.”

About This Song

“Who Cares” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1931 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” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs performed by Fred Astaire. Bennett and Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Who Cares,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

Fred Astaire and Benny Goodman recorded “Who Cares” in 1940:

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Song of the Day: Hi-Ho

The song of the day for Thursday, October 19, 2023, is “Hi-Ho.”

About This Song

“Hi-Ho” was written in 1936 by George and Ira Gershwin. It was one of the first songs the Gershwin brothers wrote when they first came to Hollywood and were slated for the movie Shall We Dance featuring Fred Astaire dancing in the streets of Paris. The song was cut due to concerns over the costs for filming the sequence. The song faded from then and was only published in 1967. Tony Bennett’s was the first recording of this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Hi-Ho” on May 22, 1968, for his album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. It was arranged and conducted by Torrie Zito.

“Hi-Ho,” as well as Yesterday I Heard The Rain, is available on Apple Music.