The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye

The song of the day for Wednesday, Ju e 16, 2021, is “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye.”

About This Song

“Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” was written in 1922 by Gus Kahn, Ernie Erdman, Ted Fiorito, and Dan Russo, The song is best known by its appearance in The Jazz Singer, the first “talking picture” that revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking overnight. “Toot, Toot Tootsie” was sung by Al Jolson, playing the role of a young jazz singer known as Jack Robin nee Jakie Rabinowitz.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” for his 1961 album My Heart Sings, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Burns. He sang it at his June 9, 1962 performance at Carnegie Hall, captured on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

Toot Toot Tootsie (Goodbye) (From "Bombo") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to Toot Toot Tootsie (Goodbye) (From "Bombo") - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1962.

“Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall 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 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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