The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: My Baby Just Cares For Me

The song of the day for Friday, August 28, 2020, 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 debut album Little Girl Blue.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Baby Just Cares For Me” for Cloud 7, his first full-length album, released in 1955. It was arranged by Charles Panely.

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

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Tony Live! It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Saturday, July 18. 2020., is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn. It’s a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edwards, and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, including Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Had To Be You” at his 1994 live performance on MTV Unplugged, which introduced a new generation to Tony Bennett.

“It Had To Be You,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: One For My Baby/It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Thursday, February 20, 2020, is “One For My Baby/It Had To Be You.”

About These Songs

“One For My Baby” was written in 1943 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. “It Had To Be You” was written in 1924 by Isham Jones, with lyrics by Gus Kahn.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and his pianist John Bunch, recorded this medley in 1970. Exquisite is not a word I throw around lightly, but this recording is exquisite. If you close your eyes, you might think Tony is in the room, singing just to you. The recording was released on Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1.

“One For My Baby/It Had To Be You,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: It Had To Be You

The song of the day for Tuesday, January 14, 2020, is “It Had To Be You.”

About This Song

“It Had to Be You” was written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn in 1924. It’s a popular standard with many fine recordings, including those by Paul Whiteman, Cliff Edward,s and Frank Sinatra. It has also be used in several films, including Casablanca and Annie Hall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Had To Be You” with the Ralph Sharon Trio for the album When Lights Are Low. Sharon wrote the arrangement; his piano on this song is lovely.

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’m Through With Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 30, 2019, is “I’m Through With Love.”

About This Song

“I’m Through With Love” was written in 1931 by Fud Livingston, Matty Melneck, and Gus Kahn. The song has been popular since it was written, with recordings by Nat Cole, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan, among many recordings. Marilyn Monroe sang the song in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon recorded “I’m Through With Love” in 1959 for their album Tony Sings For Two, which was recorded with just Bennett and Sharon on piano. In spite of opposition from Mitch Miller, which likely resulted in the album not being released until 1961, Tony Sings For Two was a triumph.

I’m Thru With Love

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“I’m Through With Love,” as well as Tony Sings For Two, is available from iTunes.

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