The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Taking a Chance on Love

The song of the day for Tuesday, April 9, 2019, is “Taking a Chance on Love.”

About This Song

“Taking a Chance on Love” was written in 1940 by Vernon Duke, with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter. It was written for the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky, where it was introduced by the great Ethel Waters and Dooley Wilson. The song works well for both jazz singers and instrumentalists, with significant recordings by Dave Brubeck, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, and Dizzy Gillespie.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Taking a Chance on Love” with Count Basie and His Orchestra for their 1959 album In Person!.

Taking A Chance On Love

Taking A Chance On Love, a song by Tony Bennett on Spotify

“Taking a Chance on Love,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Solitude

The song of the day for Thursday, January 19, 2018 is “Solitude.”

About This Song

“Solitude” was written in 1934 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Eddie DeLange and Irving Mills. One of his masterpieces, Ellington is said to have written “Solitude” in twenty minutes at the recording session, as they were one number short (per Ted Gioia in Jazz Standards). It’s a very strong song for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Ellington made over a hundred recordings of this song. Other great recordings include those by Paul Robeson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Billy Eckstine.

About This Version

Today I’m featuring Mr. Bennett’s first recording of “Solitude,” made in 1958 with Count Basie and His Orchestra for the album In Person!

Solitude

Listen to Solitude on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1959


“Solitude,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Fascinatin’ Rhythm

The song of the day for Thursday, August 31, 2017 is “Fascinatin’ Rhythm.”

About This Song

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1924 for the Broadway musical Lady Be Good, “Fascinating Rhythm” was introduced by Cliff Edwards and Fred and Adele Astaire. The Astaires also recorded the song in 1926 with Gershwin on piano. “Fascinating Rhythm” was, and still is, a jazz number. For that reason, it has never been out of favor with jazz artists, both vocal and instrumental.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded today’s version of “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” in December 1958 for the album In Person!, made with Count Basie and His Orchestra. The terrific arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Fascinatin" Rhythm

Tony Bennett & Count Basie · The Complete Recordings (Bonus Track Version) · Song · 2013


“Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Today we say goodbye to our musical collaborator of the month, Count Basie. It’s been a real pleasure for me to listen to these great recordings. I hope you’ve enjoyed it to.

I have a very special person picked out for September, so stay tuned for some more great Tony Bennett recordings!

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Song of the Day: Firefly

The song of the day for Friday, August 18, 2017 is “Firefly.”

About This Song

“Firefly” was written in 1958 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy, which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “Firefly” with Count Basie and His Orchestra in 1958 for the album In Person! This recording is really delightful!

Firefly

Tony Bennett & Count Basie · The Complete Recordings (Bonus Track Version) · Song · 2013


“Firefly,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.

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Song of the Day: Firefly

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 17, 2016 is “Firefly.”

About This Song

Today’s song was written in 1958 by Cy Coleman and Carolyn Leigh as an audition piece for the musical Gypsy (which went on to be written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by a 28-year-old Stephen Sondheim).

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Firefly” twice in 1958: once as a single with an arrangement by Ray Ellis and again with the Count Basie Orchestra. It’s the second recording that I’m featuring today. It’s a short listen … just a little over a minute and a half, and every note is a delight. You’ll find this recording on In Person! The arrangement is by Ralph Sharon.

Firefly

Listen to Firefly on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1959


“Firefly,” as well as In Person!, is available from iTunes.