The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Autumn Leaves

The song of the day for Monday, October 14, 2024, is “Autumn Leaves.”

About This Song

“Autumn Leaves” was written in 1945 by Joseph Kosma. The original French title was “Les feuilles mortes” (The Dead Leaves) and Jacques Prévert was the lyricist. Johnny Mercer wrote the English lyrics in 1947 and used the title “Autumn Leaves.” Jo Stafford was the first artist to record the song with the English lyrics. Other notable recordings include those by Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of Autumn Leaves on October 14, 1964, for his album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement.

“Autumn Leaves,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The song of the day for Friday, July 19, 2024, is “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”

About This Song

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1931; it was one of the early swing rhythm songs. It was recorded in the first few years by Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. The Benny Goodman recording, with vocals by Helen Ward, is also well-regarded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” on September 4, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged and conducted by George Siravo.

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: There’s a Lull in My Life

The song of the day for Saturday, April 6, 2024, is “There’s a Lull in My Life”

About This Song

“There’s a Lull in My Life” was written in 1937 by Harry Revel and Mack Gordon for the 1937 movie Wake Up and Live, where it was introduced by Alice Faye. The song was considered somewhat experimental for its time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’s a Lull in My Life” on October 14, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. George Siravo wrote the arrangement.

“There’s a Lull in My Life” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams

The song of the day for Monday, March 4, 2024, is “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams.”

About This Song

“Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” was written in 1931 by Harry Barris, with lyrics by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll. It’s one of the classic Depression-era songs that hoped to help people forget their troubles and dream of better days. Bing Crosby made the first recording in 1931 with the Gus Arnheim Orchestra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” on September 29, 1964, for his album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged and conducted by George Siravo.

“Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Who Can I Turn To?

The song of the day for Saturday, February 10, 2024, is “Who Can I Turn To?.”

About This Song

“Who Can I Turn To?” was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 British musical The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd. Producer David Merrick saw the production in London and decided to bring it to America, starting first with a nationwide tour. Around that time, Tony Bennett made this recording, which was a hit for him; this helped bring attention to the musical and helped ensure its success in the US.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Can I Turn To?” on August 14, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged by George Siravo.

“Who Can I Turn To?,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.