The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Honeysuckle Rose

The song of the day for Friday, May 28, 2021, is “Honeysuckle Rose.”

About This Song

“Honeysuckle Rose” was written in 1929 by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Andy Razaf. It’s one of Waller’s better known tunes and for good reason. The tune is very well written and Razaf’s lyric is delightful. Waller recorded the song in 1934 and that recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The song has been recorded steadily throughout the years, including the one from Lena Horne in 1963.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Honeysuckle Rose” in 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies. On this album, Bennett sings songs associated with the great 20th century female singers. He chose this song in honor of Lena Horne. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Honeysuckle Rose

Listen to Honeysuckle Rose on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1995.

“Honeysuckle Rose,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Got Rhythm

The song of the day for Saturday, September 26, 2020, is “I Got Rhythm.”

About Today

Today marks the birthday of George Gershwin, who was born on September 26, 1898.

About This Song

“I Got Rhythm” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1928. Gershwin originally wrote this song with a slow tempo for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl. In 1930 for Girl Crazy, he decided on a faster rhythm. The song was introduced by Ethel Merman and became wildly popular based on her performance. It has been recorded many times by artists including Miss Merman, Fred Astaire, John Pizzarelli, and Ethel Waters. It’s one of the great jazz standards.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Got Rhythm” for his 1995 album Here’s To The Ladies, which featured songs made famous by great women singers on the 20th century. This song is, of course, associated with Ethel Merman. Bennett and Ralph Sharon did the arrangements for the entire album.

“I Got Rhythm,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from Apple Music.

While you’re here, I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to Ethel Merman’s recording from Girl Crazy. She sure had a set of pipes!

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Song of the Day: Daybreak

The song of the day for Tuesday, October 8, 2019, is “Daybreak.”

About This Song

The song “Daybreak” was part of a classical suite of songs by Ferde Grofé called Mississippi Suite, composed in 1925. Lyricist Harold Adamson took the theme from the final movement and wrote lyrics for it, resulting in the song “Daybreak.” Dinah Washington recorded “Daybreak” for her album I Concentrate On You, released in 1960.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Daybreak” in 1995 for the album Here’s to the Ladies and features an arrangement by Jorge Calandrelli. The album features song associated with great 20th century female vocalists. “Daybreak” is for Dinah Washington.

“Daybreak,” as well as Here’s to the Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I’m In Love Again

The song of the day for Monday, August 26, 2019, is “I’m In Love Again.”

About This Song

“I’m In Love Again” was written in 1964 by Cy Coleman, Peggy Lee, and Bill Schluger. It’s one of the several songs that Peggy Lee wrote with Cy Coleman. Miss Lee used as the title song for her 1964 album Miss Peggy Lee in Love Again!

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’m In Love Again” in 1995 for the album Here’s To The Ladies. Jorge Calandrelli arranged and conducted the orchestra.

“I’m In Love Again,” as well as Here’s to the Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: People

The song of the day for Tuesday, August 20, 2019, is “People.”

About This Song

“People” was written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill in 1964. The song was introduced by Barbra Streisand in the 1964 Broadway production of Funny Girl. This song has been popular since it was written. Streisand’s recording was the number one song in the country for four weeks in 1964.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded “People” in 1968 for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. Today, however, we’re featuring his 1995 recording for the album Here’s To The Ladies, where he sings songs associated with many of the great 20th century female vocalists. “People” is, of course, for Barbra Streisand.

People

Listen to People on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1995.

“People,” as well as Here’s to the Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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