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 Friday, June 11, 2021, is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

One of the great songs by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 and first recorded by Glenn Miller. It was also used in 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.

“That Old Black Magic” is probably my favorite Arlen-Mercer song, though just about everything they wrote together is also one of my favorites.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “That Old Black Magic” three times in 1962: twice with Ralph Sharon, including today’s live version from Bennett’s Carnegie Hall concert, and with Dave Brubeck live at the White House. All three are special and quite good. Today’s version is available on Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall, recorded on June 9, 1962.

That Old Black Magic - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962

Listen to That Old Black Magic - Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY - June 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Ralph Sharon & His Orchestra · 1962

“That Old Black Magic,” as well as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: That Old Black Magic

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 25, 2021, is “That Old Black Magic.”

About This Song

One of the great songs by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, “That Old Black Magic” was written in 1942 and first recorded by Glenn Miller. It was used in 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 recorded “That Old Black Magic” in 1962. Today’s version is the most magical: an improv with a Dave Brubeck trio at their appearances at the invitation of President John F. Kennedy to honor the year’s young White House scholars. The tape of the concert was long thought lost, but it was found, misfiled, in the classical music section of the Columbia vaults soon after the death of Brubeck in 2012. It was released as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962.

That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

Listen to That Old Black Magic (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962 on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck Trio · 2013

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

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Song of the Day: Blues In The Night

The song of the day for Saturday, May 22, 2021, is “Blues In The Night.”

About This Song

“Blues In The Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 movie Blues In The Night. 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” in 1957 for his album The Beat Of My Heart. Bennett invited drummers and percussionists from all over to play on this album. Jo Jones is featured in this song.

Blues In The Night

Listen to Blues In The Night on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1957

“Blues In The Night,” as well as The Beat Of My Heart, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: So Long, Big Time!

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 19, 2021, is “So Long, Big Time!”

About This Song

“So Long, Big Time!” was written in 1963 by Harold Arlen and Dory Previn. One of Arlen’s later songs, “So Long, Big Time!” is about the “player” who’s run out of luck and is giving up the fast life and knows when it’s time to walk away. The Bill Evans Trio and Monica Zetterlund recorded this song in 1964 for the album Waltz For Debby.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “So Long, Big Time!” in 1963 for The Many Moods of Tony, released in 1964. Harold Arlen conducted the orchestra for the recording.

So Long, Big Time!

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“So Long, Big Time!”, as well as The Many Moods of Tony, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Last Night When We Were Young

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 5, 2021, is “Last Night When We Were Young.”

Yesterday I was listening to an interview on the radio and the interviewer asked the guest (sorry, forgot who) if they could only listen to one song for the rest of their life, what would that song be? I pondered this question while trying to get to sleep last night and decided that song would be “Last Night When We Were Young.” Harold Arlen-check. Yip Harburg-check. Lyrics like “Life was so new, so real, so right; ages ago last night.” Checkmate.

About This Song

“Last Night When We Were Young” was written in 1935 by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Arlen considered “Last Night When We Were Young” to be one of his favorite songs. In American Popular Song, Alec Wilder calls it a “most remarkable and beautiful song … (that) goes far beyond the boundaries of popular music.” Yip Harburg has said that he doesn’t know exactly where the title came from but that “the juxtaposition of those two phrases is almost a whole world of philosophy.” All in all, it’s a very beautiful and introspective song that is much beloved by singers. Frank Sinatra included on his wonderful album In The Wee Small Hours. It has also been recorded by Judy Garland, Mel Tormé, Carmen McRae, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Last Night When We Were Young” in 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the very fine arrangement.

Last Night When We Were Young

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“Last Night When We Were Young,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available from Apple Music.

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