The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Out Of This World

The song of the day for Thursday, July 31, 2025, is “Out Of This World.”

About This Song

“Out Of This World” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1945 film Out Of This World. The film starred Eddie Bracken, though Bing Crosby dubbed the vocals for Bracken. 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 very fine arrangement.

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

We’re happy to present Bing Crosby’s 1945 recording of today’s song:

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Song of the Day: Let’s Fall In Love

The song of the day for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, is “Let’s Fall In Love.”

About This Song

“Let’s Fall In Love” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1933 film Let’s Fall In Love, starring Ann Sothern. Significant recordings include Eddy Duchin, Eddie Fisher, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Krall.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Fall In Love” on August 15, 1960, for his album Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen, released in 1961. Glenn Osser wrote the arrangements and conducted the orchestra. Tony Bennett Sings a String of Harold Arlen was Bennett’s first album dedicated to composer.

“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: Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)

The song of the day for Monday, July 7, 2025, is “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good).”

About This Song

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” was written in 1934 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for their last show at the Cotton Club, where it was sung by Adelaide Hall. This song has been recorded by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton, Audra McDonald, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, and Frank Sinatra.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” in June 1996 for his 1997 album Tony Bennett On Holiday, consisting of songs associated with Billie Holiday. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good),” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Billie Holiday recorded “Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good)” in 1956 for her album All Or Nothing At All. It was her last album. Featured on the album were Harry “Sweets” Edison (trumpet) and Ben Webster (saxophone).

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Song of the Day: Get Happy

The song of the day for Sunday, July 6, 2025, is “Get Happy.”

About This Lyricist

We’ll be featuring the work of Ted Koehler in our occasional look at lyricists. As Koehler and Harold Arlen worked together for many years, our songs for the next few days will mostly been written with Harold Arlen. I trust that won’t be a problem. 🙂

About This Song

“Get Happy” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler for the 1930 The Nine-Fifteen Revue, where it was introduced by Ruth Etting. Most people today are more familiar with Judy Garland’s wonderful song and dance performance in the 1950 film Summer Stock.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Get Happy” live at Royal Albert Hall on January 31, 1971, with The London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement. The album of the concert, Get Happy With The London Philharmonic Orchestra, was released in September 1971.

“Get Happy,” as well as Get Happy with The London Philharmonic Orchestra, is available on Apple Music.

You can’t talk about the song “Get Happy” without visiting the 1950 film Summer Stock, starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.

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Song of the Day: (It’s Only) A Paper Moon

The song of the day for is “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon.”

About This Song

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” was written in 1933 by Harold Arlen, with lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose. Originally written for an unsuccessful play called The Great Magoo, this song was used in the 1933 movie Take a Chance. Paul Whiteman recorded it that year. There were two very fine recordings in the 1940s by Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, which sealed the popularity of the song. Since that time, it has been a popular and jazz favorite that has been widely recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “(It’s Only) A Paper Moon” in The Playground, an album for children. The Ralph Sharon Quartet accompanied Bennett, with Sharon on piano, Gray Sargent on guitar, Paul Langosch on bass, and Clayton Cameron on drums.

“(It’s Only) A Paper Moon,” as well as The Playground, is available on Apple Music.