The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: My Baby Just Cares For Me

The song of the day for Thursday, June 26, 2025, is “My Baby Just Cares For Me.”

About This Song

“My Baby Just Cares For Me” was written by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn for the 1930 film version of Whoopee! with Eddie Cantor. Though recorded by many artists, the song is widely associated with Nina Simone, who recorded it for her 1958 debt album Little Girl Blue.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Baby Just Cares For Me” on December 22, 1954, for his first LP studio album, Cloud 7. Charles Panely, who played trumpet for the album, wrote the arrangement.

“My Baby Just Cares For Me,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet

The song of the day for Thursday, June 5, 2025, is “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet.”

About This Song

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” was written in 1932 by Harry Woods and Gus Kahn. This charming song was first recorded by Ruth Etting in 1932. Other significant recordings include those by Al Bowlly with the Ray Noble Orchestra, Isham Jones and His Orchestra, The Lennon Sisters, Nat “King” Cole, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” on May 16, 1989, for Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet,” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

We have the 1932 recording of “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” by Isham Jones and His Orchestra. It’s a really nice recording.

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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.

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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: