The song of the day for Monday, May 4, 2026, is “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
About This Song
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was written by George Cory and Douglass Cross, who was born 106 years ago on May 4, 1920. Cory and Cross were a gay couple, who met while serving in the Army during World War II, where they wrote shows for their fellow servicemen. After the war, they moved to New York to launch their career as songwriters.
This song is, of course, Tony Bennett’s signature song. It actually became that quite by accident. As Bennett’s musical director, songwriters were constantly giving Ralph Sharon copies of their songs. Cross and Cory had done that and Sharon had stuck the song in a drawer and forgotten all about it. In 1961, he and Bennett were heading out on tour, which included a stop in San Francisco at The Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill. Sharon came across the music and thought it might be a nice local number for the San Francisco audience. After a performance in Hot Springs, Arkansas, they found a piano and started to work on the song a bit. An early fan was the bartender, who said that he’d buy the first copy if they ever decided to record it. Of course, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was a huge hit at the performance and in January, 1962, Bennett recorded it and released it on a 45 RPM record on the B-side to “Once Upon a Time.” But gradually, I Left My Heart in San Francisco started getting all the airplay and it became a major hit for Bennett, winning him his first Grammy Award. It is his signature song and is beloved by all of his fans. The San Francisco Giants play Bennett’s recording after every winning home game.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on January 23, 1962, featuring an arrangement by Marty Manning. It was released as a single and was the basis for the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, released in June 1962.
In 1963, Tony Bennett won two Grammy Awards:
- Record of the Year”
- Best Solo Performance, Male
Marty Manning won the 1963 Grammy Award for Best Background Arrangement for “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
“I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” as well as the album I Left My Heart in San Francisco, is available on Apple Music.
Tony Bennett appeared on the Judy Garland television show and they sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” It was just perfect.