The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This A Lovely Day

The song of the day for Thursday, November 24, 2022, is “Isn’t This A Lovely Day”

About This Song

“Isn’t This A Lovely Day” was written by Irving Berlin for the Fred Astaire/Ginger Roger movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoor gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This A Lovely Day” in May 1987 and was released that year on Bennett/Berlin. This song was arranged by Tony Bennett.

“Isn’t This A Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

As a special treat today, here are Fred and Ginger, from Top Hat:

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Song of the Day: Let’s Face The Music And Dance

The song of the day for Monday, August 31, 2020, is “Let’s Face The Music And Dance.”

About This Song

“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” was written in 1936 for the film Follow the Fleet with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Astaire – Rogers dance to this song is considered one of their best. It has also been recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” for his 1987 album Bennett/Berlin. Bennett arranged the song for this album.

“Let’s Face The Music And Dance,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from Apple Music.

Of course I’m including the video of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers from Follow The Fleet. I’m not some kind of monster.

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers: Let"s Face the Music and Dance

From "Follow the Fleet" (1936)

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Song of the Day: Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

The song of the day for Friday, July 5, 2019, is “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Berlin also wrote “Cheek to Cheek” for the film.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” in 1993 for the album Steppin’ Out. Bennett and Ralph Sharon arranged the album.

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails

Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available from iTunes.

For a bit more fun this holiday weekend, we have this clip from Top Hat:

Top Hat, White Tie & Tails Fred Astaire, Top Hat

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Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Thursday, October 5, 2017 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

“Cheek To Cheek” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Cheek To Cheek” in 2014 for the album Cheek To Cheek. It’s a very nice rendition of this song.

Cheek To Cheek

Listen to Cheek To Cheek on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · 2014


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as the album Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

I have a video special for today, featuring some dancer named Fred Astaire. I hear he’s pretty good. 🙂

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

The song of the day for is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” in 1935 for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoors gazebo. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” in 1987 for his album of Irving Berlin songs, Bennett/Berlin.

Isn"t This a Lovely Day

Listen to Isn"t This a Lovely Day on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1987


“Isn’t This a Lovely Day?,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

Here is that clip from Top Hat!

I must say that Miss Rogers kills in those jodhpurs.