The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Lullaby of Broadway

The song of the day for Thursday, December 12, 2024, is “Lullaby of Broadway.”

About This Song

“Lullaby of Broadway” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1935 movie The Gold Diggers of 1935. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. “Lullaby of Broadway” is one of the great show biz anthems. The 1980 Broadway musical 42nd Street featured Jerry Orbach singing the song.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Count Basie and His Band, recorded “Lullaby of Broadway” on December 22, 1958, for the album In Person! Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.

“Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as In Person! is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Thursday, November 7, 2024, is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin 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 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 “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for his autobiographical album Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, released in 1999. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted this song, as well as the entire album.

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” as well as Astoria: Portrait Of The Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Heart Tells Me

The song of the day for Saturday, October 119=, 2024, is “My Heart Tells Me.”

About This Song

“My Heart Tells Me” was written by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon for the 1943 movie Sweet Rosie O’Grady, which starred Betty Grable. In fact, Grable introduced the song while sitting in a bathtub filled with bubbles as part of a performance in a somewhat naughty beer hall show. The song has been widely recorded by artists including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Harry James, Glenn Miller, Dorothy Collins, and Charlie Parker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Heart Tells Me” on December 22, 1954, for his full-length LP album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. Charles Panely, who played trumpet on the album, wrote the arrangement.

“My Heart Tells Me,” as well as Cloud 7, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Friday, August 9, 2024, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written in 1933 by Harry Warren and Al Dubin 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 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 this version of “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in May 1989 for the album Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, released in 1990. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” as well as Astoria: Portrait of the Artist, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 17, 2024, is “The Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”

About This Song

“The Boulevard of Broken Dreams” was written by Harry Warren and Al Dubin for the 1933 film Moulin Rouge, where it was sung by Constance Bennett. Although numerous artists have recorded “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (including Bing Crosby in 1944), this song is very strongly identified with Tony Bennett. In fact, his 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” 74 years ago today on April 17, 1950, at his very first recording session with Columbia Records. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement. It was released as a single on May 22, 1950.

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