The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Moonlight In Vermont

The song of the day for Friday, January 13, 2017 is “Moonlight In Vermont.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Moonlight In Vermont,” was written in 1944 by Karl Suessdorf and John Blackburn. The song was made famous by Margaret Whiting, who recorded it in 1944 with Billy Butterfield and his Orchestra. It has been popular ever since, with other recordings by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Moonlight In Vermont” in 1995 for the album Here’s To The Ladies, which honors the great female vocalists of the. 20th century. This song is, of course, in honor of Margaret Whiting. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

Moonlight In Vermont

Listen to Moonlight In Vermont on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1995.


“Moonlight In Vermont,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: I Got Rhythm

The song of the day for Thursday, September 15, 2016 is “I Got Rhythm.”

About This Song

George 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” in 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies, where Bennett sings songs associated with the great female singers of the 20th century. Today’s song is, of course, for Ethel Merman.

I Got Rhythm

Listen to I Got Rhythm on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1995.


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

And here’s Miss Merman! She could really hold those notes!!

I Got Rhythm

Listen to I Got Rhythm on Spotify. Ethel Merman · Song · 2013.

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Song of the Day: Honeysuckle Rose

The song of the day for Sunday, July 24, 2016 is “Honeysuckle Rose.”

About This Song

“Honeysuckle Rose” is one of Fats Waller’s better known tunes and for good reason. The tune is very well written and Andy 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 the album Here’s To The Ladies. For this album, Bennett picked the great female singers of the 20th century and recorded a song that was widely associated with that singer. “Honeysuckle Rose” was for Lena Horne, with whom Tony performed in the early 1970s.

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 iTunes.

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Song of the Day: You Showed Me The Way

The song of the day for Monday, June 6, 2016 is “You Showed Me The Way.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “You Showed Me The Way,” was written in 1937 by Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Webb, Teddy McRae and Bud Green. Ella Fitzgerald co-wrote this song when she was just 18 years old and singing with Chick Webb at the Savoy Ballroom. The song eloquently describes her joy and gratitude for working with Webb.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “You Showed Me The Way” in 1995 for his album Here’s To The Ladies. In this album, Bennett chose songs associated with the great female singers of the 20th century. This song is, of course, the song he chose for his good friend Ella Fitzgerald.

You Showed Me the Way

Listen to You Showed Me the Way on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1995.


“You Showed Me The Way,” as well as Here’s To The Ladies, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Honeysuckle Rose

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 17, 2016 is “Honeysuckle Rose.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Honeysuckle Rose,” was composed by Fats Waller in 1929 with lyrics by Andy Razaf. It is one of Fats 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 the album Here’s To The Ladies. For this album, Bennett honored great female singers of the 20th century by singing songs that are strongly associated with that singer. “Honeysuckle Rose” is for Lena Horne, who Tony performed with in the early 1970s. I had the great pleasure of seeing Miss Horne in Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music in 1981 on Broadway. I’m so glad I had that chance to see her in person and hear her sing and tell stories about her life and career.

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 iTunes.

Even though it’s only Tuesday, I have a video for you. It’s Tony and Lena singing a medley of Harold Arlen songs from the early 1970s. Enjoy!

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