The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: In The Wee Small Hours

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 7, 2021, is “In The Wee Small Hours.”

About This Song

“In The Wee Small Hours” was written in 1955 by David Mann and Bob Hilliard. This song is, of course, widely identified with Frank Sinatra, who anchored his well-received concept album In the Wee Small Hours around this song. Interestingly, the song almost didn’t get written. The two songwriters were working in Hilliard’s home in New Jersey. It was well past midnight and Mann was getting ready to leave for home in New York. Hilliard urged him to stay and Mann came up with the tune, to which Hilliard quickly wrote the lyric.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “In The Wee Small Hours” in 1964, featuring a very fine arrangement by Ralph Sharon, who accompanied Bennett, along with Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums. The recording was released on the 1966 album A Time For Love.

In The Wee Small Hours

Listen to In The Wee Small Hours on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1966

“In The Wee Small Hours,” as well as A Time For Love is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Sunday, April 18, 2021, is “Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“Rules of the Road” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh in 1961. 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” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, with the Ralph Sharon Trio, consisting of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

The Rules Of The Road

Listen to The Rules Of The Road on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

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

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Just About Everything

The song of the day for Monday, April 12, 2021, is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About This Song

Written by the marvelous jazz pianist and composer Bob Dorough, “I’ve Got Just About Everything” is a true joy to listen to. In his liner notes for Forty/Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Bennett says that “this one explains how a singer feels when he sings a song everyone likes.” This song has been recorded by composer Dorough, Ann Hampton Calloway, and even Tuck and Patti.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low, featuring a Ralph Sharon arrangement. The Ralph Sharon Trio backs Bennett on this album, with Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums. Gaylord’s bass is especially good on this cut.

I"ve Got Just About Everything

Listen to I"ve Got Just About Everything on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1964

“I’ve Got Just About Everything,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Yesterdays

The song of the day for Friday, January 29, 2021, is “Yesterdays.”

About This Song

“Yesterdays” was written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the 1933 Broadway musical Roberta where it was introduced by Irene Dunne. Roberta was made into a film in 1935. The Kern-Harbach score for Roberta also included “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “Let’s Begin,” which Tony Bennett recorded in 1957 for his third album, The Beat of My Heart.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Yesterdays” for his 1966 album A Time For Love. Ralph Sharon did the arrangement and led the Ralph Sharon Trio. It’s an especially fine arrangement and Hal Gaylord’s bass was very good.

Yesterdays

Tony Bennett · A Time For Love · Song · 1966

“Yesterdays,” as well as A Time For Love, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Judy

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 28, 2020, is “Judy.”

About This Song

“Judy” was written by Hoagy Carmichael and Sammy Lerner in 1929. Written in the early part of Carmichael’s career, “Judy” is love song that some thought was a little too worldly-wise; in fact, even though written in 1929, it wasn’t published until 1934. Early recordings came from the Dorsey Brothers, Lionel Hampton, and Bob Chester. Other recordings include those by Louis Prima, Frankie Laine, and, of course, Tony Bennett. It is said to have been a favorite song of the young performer Frances Gumm, who changed her name to Judy Garland.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Judy” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and played by his trio. The trio consisted of Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on bass.

Judy

Tony Bennett · When Lights Are Low · Song · 1964

“Judy,” as well as When Lights Are Low, is available from Apple Music.