The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: The Party’s Over

The song of the day for Monday, August 8, 2022, is “The Party’s Over”

About This Song

“The Party’s Over” was written by Jule Styne, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing. The song was introduced by Judy Holliday, who won the Tony Award for her performance.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Party’s Over” on November 4, 1958, with an arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released in 1959 on the album Hometown, My Town.

“The Party’s Over” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Penthouse Serenade

The song of the day for Sunday. August 7, 2022, is “Penthouse Serenade.”

About This Song

“Penthouse Serenade” was written in 1931 by Will Jason and Val Burton. It’s one of the classic Depression-era songs with the yearning for the glamorous Manhattan apartment by the poor yet romantic couple. The first known use of “Penthouse Serenade” was for the 1933 animated short Betty Boop’s Penthouse, where it was sung by Mae Questel. On a more serious note, “Penthouse Serenade” has had exceptional recordings: Nat King Cole recorded it in 1952 as a piano solo for an album of the same name, and Tony Bennett’s recording for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town is really excellent, with a brilliant arrangement by Ralph Burns.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Penthouse Serenade” on November 6, 1958. and it was released in 1959 on the album Hometown, My Town. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Penthouse Serenade,” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I Cover The Waterfront

The song of the day for Thursday, August 4, 2022, is “I Cover The Waterfront.”

About This Song

“I Cover The Waterfront” was written in 1933 by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman. The song was inspired by the 1932 novel of the same name by Max Miller, which was also made into a film and re-scored just prior to release to include the Johnny Green song. It has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and even John Lee Hooker.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I Cover The Waterfront” on November 4, 1958; the recording was released in 1959 on the album Hometown, My Town. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“I Cover The Waterfront,” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Party’s Over

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 3, 2022, is “The Party’s Over.”

About This Song

“The Party’s Over” was written by Jule Style, Adolph Green, and Betty Comden for the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing. The song was introduced by Judy Holliday, who won the Tony award for her performance.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Party’s Over” for his 1959 album Hometown, My Town. Ralph Burns wrote the very fine arrangement.

“The Party’s Over,” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Judy Holliday singing “The Party’s Over” from the Original Cast Album for Bells Are Ringing:

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Song of the Day: Love is Here to Stay

The song of the day for Friday, April 29, 2022, is “Love is Here to Stay.”

About This Song

“Love is Here to Stay” was written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for The Goldwyn Follies movie, which was released after George Gershwin’s death. It’s also known as “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” but the published title of the song omits the “Our.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love is Here to Stay” for the 1959 album Hometown, My Town, featuring an excellent arrangement by Ralph Burns.

“Love is Here to Stay,” as well as Hometown, My Town is available on Apple Music.

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