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 Thursday, August 1, 2024, 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” on December 22, 1954, for his first full-length album Cloud 7. It was arranged by Charles Paneley, who played trumpet on the album.

“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 Saturday, June 15, 2024, is “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet.”

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet” on May 16, 1989, and was released the following year on Astoria: Portrait of the Artist. It was arranged and conducted by Jorge Calandrelli.

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

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Song of the Day: Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye

The song of the day for Friday, April 5, 2024, 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. This song is best known by it 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 recorded “Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye” 63 years ago today on April 5, 1961, for his album My Heart Sings. Ralph Burns wrote the arrangement and conducted the very fine band, which included Bernie Leighton, Milt Hinton, Zoot Sims, and Eddie Costa, among others.

“Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye,” as well as My Heart Sings, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Dream A Little Dream Of Me

The song of the day for Friday, August 4, 2023, is “Dream A Little Dream Of Me.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett is proud to celebrate the great Louis Armstrong, who was born in New Orleans, LA on August 4, 1901.

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, consisting of songs associated with Louis Armstrong.

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

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Song of the Day: I’m Through With Love

The song of the day for Thursday, April 13, 2023, is “I’m Through With Love.”

About This Song

“I’m Through With Love” was written in 1931 by Fud Livingston, Matty Malneck 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 others. Marilyn Monroe sang the song in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m Through With Love” on October 28, 1959, with just Ralph Sharon on piano. The resulting album, Tony Sings For Two, was released in 1961.

“I’m Through With Love,” as well as Tony Sings For Two is available on Apple Music.