Gus Kahn Archives | The Year of Tony Bennett

May 29, 2025 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Thursday, May 29, 2025, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by the sons of two great American songwriters. The composer, Donald Kahn, was the son of lyricist Gus Kahn; the lyricist, Stanley Styne, was the son of composer Jule Styne. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, “A Beautiful Friendship” has been recorded by Duke Ellington, Nat Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Beautiful Friendship” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen!. Marion Evans wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.

“A Beautiful Friendship” as well as Tony Makes It Happen! is available on Apple Music.

April 14, 2025 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Monday, April 14, 2025, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924, with music by Isham Jones and lyrics by Gus Kahn. The song is a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also been used in several films, such as Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with his trio (Ralph Sharon, piano; Doug Richeson, bass; Clayton Cameron, drums), performed the songs for MTV Unplugged on April 12, 1994. The album MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett – Live was released in July 1994.

MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett – Live won two 1994 Grammy Awards:

Album of the Year
Best Traditional Pop Performance

“It Had To Be You,” as well as MTV Unplugged: Tony Bennett – Live, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the video from the television program:

November 25, 2024 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: A Beautiful Friendship

The song of the day for Monday, November 25, 2024, is “A Beautiful Friendship.”

About This Song

“A Beautiful Friendship” was written in 1956 by Donald Kahn and Stanley Styne, the songs of two great American songwriters. The composer, Donald Kahn, was the son of lyricist Gus Kahn, and the lyricist, Stanley Styne, was the son of composer Jule Styne. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, “A Beautiful Friendship” has been recorded by Duke Ellington and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Beautiful Friendship” on January 27, 1967, for the album Tony Makes It Happen! Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted.

“A Beautiful Friendship,” as well as Tony Makes It Happen!, is available on Apple Music.

September 16, 2024 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Dream a Little Dream of Me

The song of the day for Monday, September 16, 2024, is “Dream a Little Dream of Me.”

About This Song

“Dream a Little Dream of Me” was written in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was first recorded in 1931 by Ozzie Nelson and also by Wayne King and His Orchestra, The song has remained popular over the decades, with recordings by Kate Smith, Frankie Laine, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Shore, Doris Day, and even The Mamas and The Papas, with Mama Cass. Louis Armstrong first recorded the song in 1950.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and k.d. lang recorded “Dream a Little Dream of Me” in March 2002 for their album A Wonderful World. Vocal arrangements were by Rob Mathes. The album was orchestrated and conducted by Peter Matz, with musical direction and arrangements by Lee Musiker.

“Dream a Little Dream of Me,” as well as A Wonderful World, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that Louis Armstrong recording: