The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, October 16, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The 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 “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 with the Ralph Sharon Trio for When Lights Are Low. In addition to Sharon on piano, the trio consisted of Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

I have to confess that I love this song. According to my content management system, this is the 21st time I’ve featured this song in the life of the blog. I guess you could say that I do like it a lot.

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

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Friday, September 11, 2020, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The 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. But as far as I’m concerned, Tony Bennett owns this song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “The Rules of the Road” in 1964 for the album When Lights Are Low, backed by The Ralph Sharon Trio, which featured Sharon on piano, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums.

“The 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 is “I’ve Got Just About Everything.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Tony Bennett a very happy 94th birthday. We love you.

About This Song

“I’ve Got Just About Everything” was written by the late Bob Dorough. Your author wrote a note to Bob a few years ago to ask him about this song. He told me that he liked Tony’s version.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Just About Everything” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low, featuring the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Hal Gaylord on bass and Billy Exiner on drums.

“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: When Lights Are Low

The song of the day for Friday, July 24, 2020, is “When Lights Are Low.”

About This Song

“When Lights Are Low” was written in 1936 by Benny Carter and Spencer Williams; both Carter and Williams were living and working in Europe. Carter was the staff arranger for the BBC during that time.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “When Lights Are Low” in 1964 for his album When Lights Are Low. The recording features The Ralph Sharon Trio, with Billy Exiner on drums and Hal Gaylord on bass. In addition to playing piano, Sharon arranged the tune.

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