The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: It Was Me

The song of the day for Sunday, July 28, 2024, is “It Was Me.”

About This Song

“It Was Me” was written in 1960 by Gilbert Bécaud, with French lyrics by Maurice Vidalin and English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. Named “C’etait Moi” in the original French, it’s a beautiful love song that brings memories of summers past and maybe, those to come.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “It Was Me” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. It was arranged by Marty Manning.

“It Was Me,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

In 2009, Tony Bennett gave an interview on NPR as part of their series on people’s favorite summer songs, which for Bennett was “It Was Me.” Here’s that interview.

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Song of the Day: Once Upon a Summertime

The song of the day for Friday, June 21, 2024, is “Once Upon a Summertime.”

About This Song

“Once Upon a Summertime” was written in 1954 by Michel Legrand and Eddie Barclay, with French lyrics by Eddie Marnay and English lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Blossom Dearie recorded the first English version of “Once Upon a Summertime” in 1958 for her album of the same name. Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, and Sarah Vaughan recorded it in 1963, followed by Bill Evans in 1964.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Once Upon a Summertime” on October 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Once Upon a Summertime,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got Your Number

The song of the day for Friday, June 14, 2024, is “I’ve Got Your Number.”

About Today

We are remembering Cy Coleman, who was born ninety-five years ago on June 14, 1929. You can read more about Cy Coleman here.

About This Song

“I’ve Got Your Number” was written by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh for the 1962 Broadway musical Little Me, the second musical that Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh wrote (the first being Wildcat, written for Lucille Ball). Little Me starred Sid Caesar and Virginia Martin, both of whom introduced “I’ve Got Your Number.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “I’ve Got Your Number” on October 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“I’ve Got Your Number” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

The song of the day for Sunday, February 18, 2024, is “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.”

About Today

Today’s song is from Bennett’s album I Wanna Be Around, released 61 years ago today on February 18, 1963.

About This Song

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” (known as “Corcovada” in the original Portuguese) was written in 1960 by Antonio Carlos Jobim; the
English lyrics by Gene Lees were added later. This song has a serene quiet feeling–the English title fits the mood of the song perfectly. Both Stan Getz and Miles Davis recorded jazz versions of “Quiet Nights.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. Marty Manning wrote the arrangement.

“Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Good Life

The song of the day for Monday, January 29, 2024, is “The Good Life.”

About Today

We are remembering composer Sacha Distel on the anniversary of his birth on January 29, 1933. In addition to composing, Distel was a famed guitarist and singer. He was awarded the Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur in 1997. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 71.

About This Song

“The Good Life” was written in 1962 by Sacha Distel and Jack Reardon for the movie Seven Capital Sins. Tony Bennett is the singer most widely identified with “The Good Life;” other good recordings include those by Betty Carter, Carmen McRae and Stephane Grappelli. It has been said that Distel wrote this song about Bridgette Bardot, who refused Distel’s marriage proposal.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Good Life” on December 19, 1962, for his album I Wanna Be Around, released in 1963. The song was arranged by Marty Manning.

“The Good Life,” as well as I Wanna Be Around, is available on Apple Music.