The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: They Can’t Take That Away From Me

The song of the day for Friday, November 8, 2024, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire–Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs Astaire introduced in his films, no dance number was associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” on October 16, 1967, for the album For Once In My Life. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” as well as For Once In My Life, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: My Ship

The song of the day for Saturday, September 6, 2024, is “My Ship.”

About This Song

“My Ship” was written by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin for the 1941 Broadway musical Lady in the Dark. Miles Davis’ recording in 1957, along with vocal versions by Jeri Southern and Sarah Vaughan, cemented this song as a jazz standard.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “My Ship” live on June 8, 1972, at his concert at Carnegie Hall. The concert was released that summer as Tony Bennett At Carnegie Hall.

“My Ship,” as well as Tony Bennett at Carnegie Hall, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Nice Work If You Can Get It

The song of the day for Thursday, August 29, 2024, is “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

About This Song

“Nice Work If You Can Get It” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Damsel In Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It has been widely recorded by artists including Astaire, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Nice Work If You Can Get It” in July 1993 for his album of Fred Astaire songs, Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

“Nice Work If You Can Get It,” as well as Steppin’ Out, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire’s performance of “Nice Work If You Can Get It” from Damsel In Distress, where he partners with a drum kit:

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Song of the Day: They Can’t Take Away From Me

The song of the day for Sunday, August 25, 2024, is “They Can’t Take Away From Me.”

About Today

Today we are celebrating the birthday of Declan Patrick MacManus OBE, better known by his stage name Elvis Costello. He was born on August 25, 1954. Elvis duetted with Tony Bennett on today’s song.

About This Song

“They Can’t Take Away From Me” was written by George and Ira Gershwin in 1936 for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rodgers movie Shall We Dance. Unlike most songs that Astaire introduced in his films, there was no dance number associated with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” It is one of the Gershwin’s finest love songs. George Gershwin died just two months after this film was released.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Elvis Costello recorded “They Can’t Take Away From Me” live on April 12, 1994, for Tony Bennett’s MTV Unplugged television program.

MTV Unplugged won the 1994 Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Performance.

“They Can’t Take Away From Me,” as well as MTV Unplugged, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Elvis and Tony singing today’s song:

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Song of the Day: ‘S Wonderful

The song of the day for Sunday, July 14. 2024, is “‘S Wonderful.”

About This Song

“‘S Wonderful” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1927 Broadway musical Funny Face, which starred Fred and Adele Astaire. The song was introduced by Adele Astaire and Allen Kearns. This song has been popular since it was written, with many fine recordings, including those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’Day, John Pizzarelli, Sarah Vaughan, and many others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “‘S Wonderful” in 2018 for their album of Gershwin songs, Love Is Here To Stay. They were accompanied by The Bill Charlap Trio, with Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums.

Love Is Here To Stay won the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

“‘S Wonderful,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay, is available on Apple Music.

We’ve also a clip from The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon when Tony Bennett and Diana Krall appeared is 2018:

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