The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Monday, August 22, 2022, is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

“That Old Black Magic” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1942 movie Star Spangled Rhythm. It’s been recorded many times and used in several films, including the 1956 film Bus Stop, where it was sung by Marilyn Monroe.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and The Dave Brubeck Trio (Brubeck on piano, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums) recorded “That Old Black Magic” on August 28, 1962, at the invitation of President John F. Kennedy for a celebration of that year’s interns. The concert was held near the Washington Monument. The recording of that concert, which featured Bennett and his trio as well as the Dave Brubeck Quartet, was thought lost. Thankfully, it was found in the vaults, misplaced in the classical section. In 2013, the full concert was released as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962.

“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: What Good Does It Do

The song of the day for Sunday, August 14, 2022, is “What Good Does It Do.”

About This Song

“What Good Does It Do” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1-957 Broadway musical Jamaica, which starred Lena Horne and Ricardo Montálban; the principal dancer was Alvin Ailey. Yarburg had been blacklisted during the McCarthy period and could not work in film or TV from 1951 to 1962. Fortunately, producer David Merrick and Broadway welcomed Yarburg. Jamaica was nominated for major Tony Awards, including Best Musical, all the acting nominations, and both scenic and costume design, though it lost to The Music Man.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “What Good Does It Do” on August 18, 1960 for Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“What Good Does It Do,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen
 is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, August 13, 2022, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 movie of the same name. Out Of This World starred Eddie Bracken; however Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken and introduced the song. Alec Wilder was a fan of this song, praising its ethereal quality and the excellent lyrics by Mercer.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Out Of This World” on March 1, 1960; the recording was released in 1960 on the album Alone Together. Frank Devol wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as Alone Together, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love

The song of the day for Thursday, August 11, 2022, is “Let’s Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Let’s Fall In Love” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the film of the same name, released in 1933. At the time of the film’s release, Eddy Duchin had a popular recording of the song. Other significant recordings include those by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Fall In Love” on August 15, 1960, for the album Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen. Glenn Rosser wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.

“Let’s Fall In Love” as well as Tony Bennett Sings A String Of Harold Arlen is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Blues in the Night

The song of the day for Sunday, July 31, 2022, is “Blues in the Night.”

About This Song

“Blues in the Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer in 1941 for the film of the same name. Arlen wrote the music first and wrote a true blues song. Johnny Mercer, who later wrote the lyrics, drew on his southern heritage to write the exceptional blues lyrics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Blues in the Night” on October 21, 1957, featuring an arrangement by Ralph Sharon; drummer Jo Jones was the featured percussionist. The recording was released in 1957 on the album The Beat of My Heart.

“Blues in the Night,” as well as is available on Apple Music.

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