The song of the day for Friday, December 1, 2023, is “Cold, Cold Heart.”

About Today

We’re celebrating pianist John Bunch, who was born on December 1, 1921, in Tipton, Indiana. Bunch was Tony Bennett’s pianist and musical director from 1966 to 1972. In addition to his work with Bennett, he played with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Pearl Bailey, and Scott Hamilton. He led a trio, mostly in England, and made many recordings as a leader, such as with the New York Swing Trio with Bucky Pizzarelli and Jay Leonhart.

About This Song

“Cold, Cold Heart” was written in 1951 by Hank Williams. Tony Bennett regularly sang this song in his concerts and told the story of how Mitch Miller played the song and asked Bennett to record it. Bennett told him he couldn’t sing it, as he wasn’t a country and western singer. He says that Mitch said he’d record it even if he (Mitch) had to tie him to a tree. “And so he tied me to a tree …” Bennett would quip. It really is a beautiful and heartfelt song and was a big hit for Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Cold, Cold Heart” on June 14, 1970, with pianist John Bunch.

“Cold, Cold Heart,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1, is available on Apple Music.

The song of the day for Sunday, June 25, 2023, is “Cold, Cold Heart.”

About This Song

“Cold, Cold Heart” was written in 1951 by Hank Williams. Tony Bennett joked in a concert once that when Mitch Miller asked him to record the song, he told Mitch that he couldn’t sing it, as he wasn’t a country and western singer. He said that Mictch said he’d record it even if he had to tie him to a tree. “And so he tied me to a tree” Bennett quipped. Bennett’s 1951 version of “Cold, Cold Heart” was really beautiful and a big hit for him.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Cold, Cold Heart” on June 24, 1970, featuring John Bunch on piano. It was included in a Columbia collection called Tony Bennett Sings His All-Time Hall of Fame Hits. Luckily for us, it was included on the Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 disc in the 2011 Complete Collection.

“Cold, Cold Hart,” as well as Rarities, Outtakes & Other Delights, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.

On Valentine’s Day 2012, Google presented this “doodle” featuring Tony Bennett’s 1951 recording of “Cold, Cold Heart.” It’s quite charming.