The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

The song of the day for Monday, September 9, 2013 is “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

About This Song

“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” was written in 1940 by Duke Ellington as an instrumental. Bob Russell added the lyrics in 1942.

About This Version

Today’s version is the duet version with Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé from Duets II. As today is Mr. Bublé’s birthday, we are happy to present their duet today. Happy Birthday, Michael Bublé!

http://open.spotify.com/track/6RjvMuSa4ZCqPueIIO4IBs
“Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” as well as the album Duets II, is available from iTunes and Amazon.com.

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Song of the Day: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Michael Bublé, Tony Bennett collaborator, was born on this day in 1975. To help celebrate Mr. Bublé’s birthday, the Song of the Day is their duet Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

About Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

This song was written by Duke Ellington in 1940, with lyrics by Bob Russell added in 1942. In 1943, two different versions of the song reached #1 on the R&B chart: one by Duke’s band and another by the Ink Spots. Both versions also charted on the top ten pop charts the same year.

The song was, and remains, a popular jazz standard, sung by the royalty of jazz and popular singers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé, and Natalie Wood. It’s been a crossover hit for B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Cliff Richard, and Sam Cooke.

About This Version

Mr. Bennett first recorded this song (to the best of my knowledge) in 1967 for Tony Makes It Happen!  The same recording also appeared on the 1973 album Sunrise Sunset. He re-recorded the song, with a new arrangement by Ralph Burns on his 1999 tribute album to Duke Ellington: Bennett Sings Ellington Hot & Cool.

Today’s version is the Tony Bennett – Michael Bublé duet from the 2011 Duets II. The arrangement is by Marion Evans, who also arranged the 1967 version.