The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

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

The song of the day for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 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 June 1998 for his album for children, The Playground.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Last Night While We Were Young

The song of the day for Wednesday, September 18, 2024, is “Last Night While We Were Young.”

About This Song

“Last Night While 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 “Last Night While We Were Young” in June 1992 for his album in tribute to Frank Sinatra, Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Blues In The Night

The song of the day for Monday, September 2. 2024, is “Blues In The Night.”

About This Song

“Blues In The Night” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1941 film of the 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, for the album The Beat Of My Heart. Jo Jones played drums for this recording.

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

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

The song of the day for Saturday, July 27, 2024, is “One For My Baby (And One More For The Road).”

About This Song

“One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)” was written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer for the 1943 film The Sky’s The Limit, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire. Harold Arlen called this song one of his “tapeworms” as at 48 bars, it was longer than the standard 32 bar popular song. Alec Wilder, in American Popular Song, says that “the honors must go the lyric. … Just imagine having the acuity and courage to start a song, as Mercer does, with “It’s a quarter to three”!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)” in June 1992 for his album Perfectly Frank. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“One For My Baby (And One More For The Road),” as well as Perfectly Frank, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

The song of the day for Friday, July 19, 2024, is “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”

About This Song

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” was written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler in 1931; it was one of the early swing rhythm songs. It was recorded in the first few years by Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. The Benny Goodman recording, with vocals by Helen Ward, is also well-regarded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” on September 4, 1964, for the album Who Can I Turn To. It was arranged and conducted by George Siravo.

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” as well as Who Can I Turn To, is available on Apple Music.