The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: In A Mellow Tone

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is “In A Mellow Tone.”

About This Song

“In A Mellow Tone” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. It was based on the 1917 song “Rose Room” by Art Hickman and Harry Williams. The song is a favorite of both vocal and instrumental jazz performers, including Tony Bennett, Paul Gonsalves, Oscar Peterson, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald, and Annie Ross.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In A Mellow Tone” in May 1999 for Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. The recording gives everyone in the quartet a chance to shine: Ralph Sharon, piano; Gray Sargent, guitar; Paul Langosch, bass; and Clayton Cameron, drums.

“In A Mellow Tone,” as well as Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool is available on Apple Music.

We’ve got Ellington’s 1958 instrumental recording of today’s song, from his album Blues In Orbit. Featured musicians include Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, Harry Carney, and Sam Woodyard.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Makin’ Whoopee

The song of the day for Saturdayi, November 15, 2025, is “Makin’ Whoopee.”

About This Song

“Makin’ Whoopee” was written by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn for the 1928 musical Whoopee!, which starred Eddie Cantor and who introduced the song. It does, of course, refer to sexual intimacy and lists all the things that follow from that (wedding, honeymoon, babies, etc.). It has been widely recorded over the years.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Cyndi Lauper recorded “Makin’ Whoopee” in 2003 for Cyndi Lauper: At Last. They were accompanied by Lee Musiker (piano), Gray Sargent (guitar), Paul Langosch (bass) and Clayton Cameron (drums).

“Makin’ Whoopee,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 2, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Dat Dere

The song of the day for Saturday, July 26, 2025, is “Dat Dere.”

About This Song

“Dat Dere” was written in 1960 by Bobby Timmons. It was first played by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1960, with Timmons on piano. Oscar Brown, Jr. wrote lyrics for the tune in 1961 for his album Sin & Soul. The song has been recorded by jazz and popular singers, including Mel Tormé and Rickie Lee Jones.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Dat Dere” in June 1988 for his album for children, The Playground, with The Ralph Sharon Quartet (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, Gray Sargent on guitar, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“Dat Dere,” as well as The Playground, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: (It’s Only) A Paper Moon

The song of the day for is “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon.”

About This Song

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” in The Playground, an album for children. The Ralph Sharon Quartet accompanied Bennett, with Sharon on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon,” as well as The Playground, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: But Beautiful

The song of the day for Friday, March 28, 2025, is “But Beautiful.”

About Today

We are very happy to wish Lady Gaga a wonderful and happy birthday. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta was born in New York City on March 28, 1986. We admire her talent as a singer, songwriter, and actor. We love her for her loving friendship with Tony Bennett, exemplified in she asked Bennett if she could accompany him off the stage at his last concert.

About This Song

“But Beautiful” was written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke for Bing Crosby to sing in the 1947 movie The Road to Rio. The song has been widely recorded, including recordings by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman, Billie Holiday, Gregory Porter, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “But Beautiful” in 2014 for their first album of duets, Cheek To Cheek. Gray Sargent‘s guitar for this recording is exceptional. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“But Beautiful” as well as Cheek To Cheek, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the official video for “But Beautiful.”