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 Like Goodbyes

The song of the day for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, is “Don’t Like Goodbyes.”

About This Song

“Don’t Like Goodbyes” was written by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Arlen and Truman Capote, for the 1954 Broadway musical House of Flowers, based on Capote’s novella of the same name. The song was introduced by Pearl Bailey. While the musical was not well-reviewed, the Arlen-Capote score is quite wonderful, including not only today’s song but the exquisite “A Sleepin’ Bee,” which Tony Bennett has recorded twice (in 1959 for Tony Sings For Two and at the 1962 Carnegie Hall concert). “Don’t Like Goodbyes” has been recorded by Pearl Bailey, Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Don’t Like Goodbyes” in 2004 for The Art of Romance. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Don’t Like Goodbyes,” as well as The Art of Romance, is available on Apple Music.

We have “Don’t Like Goodbyes” from the original cast album of House of Flowers, sung by Pearl Bailey:

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Friday, March 27, 2026, is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade, where it was introduced by Cab Calloway and Bing Crosby. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs. Notable recordings include those by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” at Carnegie Hall on June 9, 1962. The initial release of Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall was released in 1962 with roughly half of the songs omitted, including “I’ve Got the World on a String.” The remaining songs, including “I’ve Got the World on a String,” were included on the 1997 CD re-release.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Saturday, February 21, 2026, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written in 1944 by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 film Out of This World. The film 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 January 18, 1967, for his album For Once In My Life. Marion Evans wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Out Of This World,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Over The Rainbow

The song of the day for Friday, February 20, 2026, is “Over The Rainbow.”

About This Song

“Over The Rainbow” was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland. While one of Arlen’s best-known songs, it was almost cut from the film as the producers thought bit slowed down the film. Thankfully, the preview audiences preferred the movie with the song. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“Over The Rainbow” ranked as the #1 song of the 20th century per the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment of the Arts.The song has always been closely associated with Judy Garland. In a letter to Harold Arlen, Judy Garland wrote that the song “has become part of my life. It’s so symbolic of everybody’s dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why some people get tears in their eyes when they hear it. I’ve sung it thousands of times and it’s still the song that’s closest to my heart.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Over The Rainbow” on August 15, 1960, for Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“Over The Rainbow,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, is available on Apple Music.

We have two special videos today.

First is Yip Harburg in a clip from a 1979 television show about songwriting.

You can the full segment of Harburg’s appearance on that program here.

And, to wrap up this look at “Over the Rainbow,” here’s Judy Garland from The Wizard of Oz.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got the World on a String

The song of the day for Thursday, February 19, 2026 is “I’ve Got the World on a String.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got the World on a String” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1932 Cotton Club Parade. Early recordings include Cab Calloway and Frank; Sinatra with the Dorsey Brothers (when they were still talking to each other). Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, considers it one of Arlen’s loveliest songs.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got the World on a String” in June 1992 for the album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement and lead his trio (Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums).

Perfectly Frank won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“I’ve Got the World on a String,” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.