The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Smile

The song of the day for Friday, August 19, 2022, is “Smile.”

About This Song

Charlie Chaplin wrote “Smile” in 1936 for his last silent film, Modern Times, which shows Chaplin and his costar Paulette Goddard, walking hand-in-hand up the road as the sun rises and as this song plays, in one of the most iconic scenes ever filmed.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Smile” on June 24, 1959. It was released as a single in 1959 (Columbia 45: 4-41434) and again in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It was arranged by Ralph Burns.

“Smile,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

Here’s that final scene from Modern Times.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 17, 2022, is “The Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” on April 6, 1961, with a very fine arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Have I Told You Lately

The song of the day for Sunday, April 24, 2022, is “Have I Told You Lately.”

About This Song

“Have I Told You Lately” was written in 1962 by Harold Rome for I Can Get It For You Wholesale, which marked the Broadway debut of the then 19-year-old Barbra Streisand in the supporting role of Miss Marmelstein, a secretary. Her audition for the role was so good, that the writers enlarged her role to take better advantage of her prodigious talents. The cast album was recorded by Columbia Records, and Goddard Lieberson had the good sense to sign the young Streisand to a contract and thus Columbia produced her first album, The Barbra Streisand Album, released in 1963.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Have I Told You Lately” in 1962, featuring an arrangement by Marty Manning. It was released in 1962 on the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco.

“Have I Told You Lately,” as well as I Left My Heart in San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Rules of the Road

The song of the day for Saturday, February 5, 2022, is “The Rules of the RoadThe Rules of the Road.”

About This Song

“The Rules of the Road” was written in 1961 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh. In addition to several recordings by Tony Bennett, the song has also been recorded by Lena Horne, Shirley Horne, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Rules of the Road” in 1961, with a fine arrangement by Ralph Burns. It was released on the 1962 album I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

“The Rules of the Road,” as well as I Left My Heart In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Once Upon A Time

The song of the day for Friday, February 4, 2022, is “Once Upon A Time.”

About This Song

“Once Upon A Time” was written in 1962 by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams for the 1962 Ray Bolger musical All American, where it was introduced by Bolger and Eileen Herlie. While the musical was not a major smash hit, the song is quite lovely. In addition to Tony Bennett’s fine recording, it was also recorded by Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Howard Keel, Bobby Darrin, and Mandy Patinkin.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon A Time” in 1962 for the album I Left My In San Francisco. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Once Upon A Time,” as well as I Left My In San Francisco is available on Apple Music.

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