The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 18, 2022, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

Harry Warren and Al Dubin wrote “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in 1933 for the movie Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his 1946 demo record of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was heard by Mitch Miller and got Bennett his first recording contract with Columbia Records.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” on April 17, 1950, featuring an arrangement by Marty Manning. It was released as a single on May 22, 1950.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as the songs collected on The Columbia Singles, Vol. 1 is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You

The song of the day for Monday, September 6, 2021, is “There Will Never Be Another You.”

About This Song

“There Will Never Be Another You” was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon in 1942 for the movie Iceland, where it was introduced in the movie by Joan Merrill. Amazingly, this beautiful song was not nominated for an Academy Award. No matter. The song has become a serious jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including Bennett’s 1959 recording with Count Basie and his 1962 improvisation with Dave Brubeck at the White House Sessions. Other significant recordings include those by Lionel Hampton, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and The Dave Brubeck Trio closed out their improv set with “There Will Never Be Another You,” captured on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962.

There Will Never Be Another You (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

Listen to There Will Never Be Another You (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962 on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2013.

“There Will Never Be Another You,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Friday, September 3, 2021, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway,” written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, was introduced in the 1935 movie Gold Diggers of 1935 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song (which your blogger had the fortune to see him in).

About This Version

At the very end of Bennett’s set, in “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” he welcomes Dave Brubeck back on the stage and then says:

We haven’t rehearsed this, so lots of luck, folks.

Joining Tony Bennett on stage were Dave Brubeck, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Tony Bennett suggests “Lullaby of Broadway” and off they go. Lucky for us, it’s all captured on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962.

Lullaby Of Broadway (with The Dave Brubeck Trio) - Live at the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. - August 1962

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

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962 is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Jeepers Creepers

The song of the day for Thursday, February 11, 2021, is “Jeepers Creepers.”

About This Song

“Jeepers Creepers” was written by Harry Warren and Johnny Mercer for the 1938 movie Going Places, which featured Louis Armstrong as a trumpet-playing horse trainer. It has been recorded by Bing Crosby and, of course, Louis Armstrong.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Jeepers Creepers” in 1959 for his album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, Basie/Bennett. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

Jeepers Creepers - 1990 Remix / Remaster

Listen to Jeepers Creepers - 1990 Remix / Remaster on Spotify. Count Basie · Song · 1959.

“Jeepers Creepers,” as well as Basie/Bennett, is available from Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: There Will Never Be Another You

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 21 2020, is “There Will Never Be Another You.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birth of William James “Count” Basie, who was born on July 21, 1904, in Red Hook, New Jersey. We can’t imagine American jazz without Count Basie.

About This Song

“There Will Never Be Another You” was written in 1942 by Harry Warren and Max Gordon for the movie Iceland. The song has become a serious jazz standard and has had many fine recordings, including Bennett’s 1959 recording with Count Basie and his 1962 improvisation with Dave Brubeck at the White House Sessions. Other significant recordings include those by Lionel Hampton, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole, and Sonny Rollins.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There Will Never Be Another You” in 1959 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for their second album, In Person!. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangment.

“There Will Never Be Another You,” as well as In Person!, is available from Apple Music.

Subscribe to The Year of Tony Bennett

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Current Reader Favorites