The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Over the Rainbow

The song of the day for Monday, July 8, 2019, is “Over the Rainbow.”

About This Song

Written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, “Over The Rainbow” is from the wonderful movie The Wizard Of Oz. Interestingly, the producers wanted to cut the song from the film, as they felt it slowed downed the movie. Thankfully, the preview audiences preferred the movie with the song.

“Over The Rainbow” ranked as the #1 song of the 20th century per the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts. The song has always been closely associated with Judy Garland. In a letter to Harold Arlen, Judy Garland wrote that the song “…has become part of my life. It’s so symbolic of everybody’s dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why some people get tears in their eyes when they hear it. I’ve sung it thousands of times and it’s still the song that’s closest to my heart.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Over the Rainbow” in 1960 for Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. The recording was arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.

Yesterday, I settled down for a couple of hours and watched The Wizard of Oz on TCM. At my age, I can’t begin to even guess how many times I’ve watched this movie. Yet, I’m still enchanted and find great joy in watching it. And, of course, “Over the Rainbow” never fails to stir my heart.

Over The Rainbow – 2011 Remaster

Over The Rainbow – 2011 Remaster, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Over the Rainbow,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

Lyricist Yip Harburg appeared on a television program about songwriting and talked about “Over the Rainbow”.

Yip Harburg – Over The Rainbow

After many requests, I am uploading this short clip which I use in teaching the basics of songwriting. It is a moving version of “Over The Rainbow” by the lyricist himself.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love

The song of the day for Monday, July 1, 2019, is “Let’s Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Let’s Fall In Love” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the film of the same name, released in 1933. At the time of the film’s release, Eddy Duchin had a popular recording of the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Fall In Love” in 1960 for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. The album was arranged and conducted by Glenn Osser.

Let’s Fall In Love – Remastered

Let’s Fall In Love – Remastered, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Let’s Fall In Love,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Sunday, April 15, 2018 is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

“Come Rain or Come Shine” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1946 Broadway musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual, in that the same note repeated 12 times in the first two measures. In spite of that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1960 for the album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. The album was conducted and arranged by Glenn Osser, a noted arranger, conductor and songwriter.

I just felt like a Harold Arlen song today.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Come Rain or Come Shine

The song of the day for Friday, November 17, 2017 is “Come Rain or Come Shine.”

About This Song

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer wrote “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1946 for the Broadway musical St. Louis Woman. The song itself is rather unusual, in that the same note repeated 12 times in the first two measures. In spite of that repetition, or perhaps because of it, the song works very well for the singer. Al Gioia in Jazz Standards says that “this composition tends to resist grandstanding, and instead appeals to the more introspective improviser.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Come Rain or Come Shine” in 1960 for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. Composer, arranger, musician and band leader Glenn Osser did the arrangements for the entire album. I think it’s worth noting that the first album of Bennett’s that was devoted to an individual artist was to Harold Arlen. I am most grateful that Bennett not only recorded this album of Arlen songs, but has continued to sing and record Harold Arlen throughout his career.

Come Rain Or Come Shine

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“Come Rain or Come Shine,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: When The Sun Comes Out

The song of the day for Monday, August 21, 2017 is “When The Sun Comes Out.”

About This Song

“When The Sun Comes Out,” written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler, is unusual in the Arlen body of work in that it was not written for either a musical or a film. It was first recorded in 1941 by Helen O’Connell with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Other significant recordings (in addition to Tony Bennett) include those by Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstein, and Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett sings “When The Sun Comes Out,” recorded in 1960 for the album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. It features an arrangement by Glenn Osser.

When The Sun Comes Out

Tony Bennett · Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen · Song · 1960


“When The Sun Comes Out,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available from iTunes.

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