The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Saturday, September 19, 2026, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Rules of the Road” on March 26, 1964, with The Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon: piano, Hal Gaylord: bass, and Billy Exiner: drums) forr his 1964 album When Lights Are Low.

“Rules of the Road,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.

I decided to listen to “Rules of the Road” sung by someone other Tony Bennett; this is a big ask as I love Bennett’s version of the song more than I can say. Today I discovered Lena Horne‘s recording, which I like very much.

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Song of the Day: Just In Time

The song of the day for Monday, August 31, 2026, is “Just In Time.”

About This Song

“Just In Time” was written by Jule Styne, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the for the 1956 Broadway musical Bells Are Ringing. The show starred Judy Holliday and Sydney Chaplin, who introduced the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Just In Time” live on August 28, 1962, on The Mall in Washington, D.C. At the invitation of President John F. Kennedy, Dave Bruck and his quartet and Tony Bennett with his trio were invited to perform at a special event to honor the participants of the White House Seminar for journalism students.

Bennett performed his with The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. The entire concert was recorded and released in 2013 on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962. The original tapes had been misplaced in the Columbia Vaults and only located in 2012.

“Just In Time,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Funny Valentine

The song of the day for Sunday, August 23, 2026, is “My Funny Valentine.”

About This Song

“My Funny Valentine” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 Broadway musical Babes in Arms, where it was introduced by Mitzi Green. This ballad is one of the most-loved songs in the American Songbook and has been sung by most jazz and cabaret artists. In addition to Tony Bennett’s excellent recordings of this song, others include those by Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Miles Davis.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “My Funny Valentine” on February 26, 1964, with the Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, Billy Exiner on drums). The recording was included on A Time For Love, released in 1966.

“My Funny Valentine,” as well as A Time For Love, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterdays

The song of the day for Friday, July 17, 2026, is “Yesterdays.”

About This Song

“Yesterdays” was written for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Otto Harbach. The song was introduced by Irene Dunne. The cast of the Broadway production also featured Bob Hope, George Murphy, Sidney Greenstreet and Fred MacMurray. One of Kern’s best outings, Roberta also introduced “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Let’s Begin.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett’s version of “Yesterdays” is from the 1966 album A Time To Love., though this recording is from 1964. It has a wonderful arrangement by Ralph Sharon and features the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass.

“Yesterdays,” as well as A Time For Love, 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 20, 2026, is “It Had To Be You.”

About Today

Today’s song is from Bennett’s album When Lights Are Low, which was released 64 years ago on April 20, 1964. It’s a fine album made with the Ralph Sharon Trio (Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums) and a jazz-oriented selection of songs.

About This Song

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

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Had To Be You” on March 24, 1964, for When Lights Are Low. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“It Had To Be You,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available on Apple Music.