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 Thursday, August 24, 2023, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About Today

The Year of Tony Bennett wishes Elvis Costello a very happy birthday! Costello was born in London, England on August 25, 1954.

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 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 That Away From Me” on April 12, 1994, for Bennett’s legendary MTV Unplugged appearance. The MTV Unplugged album was released in June of that year. The songs from the televised concert were arranged by Tony Bennett and the Ralph Sharon Trio.

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

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

Here’s the video of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” from MTV Unplugged:

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

The song of the day for Saturday, August 19, 2023, 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, Billie Holiday, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Nice Work If You Get It” in July 1993 for his album Steppin’ Out, consisting of songs identified with Fred Astaire. It was arranged by Tony 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 from Damsel in Distress, performing today’s song:

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Song of the Day: The Man That Got Away

The song of the day for Wednesday, May 31, 2023, is “The Man That Got Away.”

About This Song

“The Man That Got Away” was written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin for Judy Garland for the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, with James Mason. Her performance of the song is legendary in film history, with 27 takes in three days, three separate sessions, and two different directors. The filmed scene is brilliant and made the song a huge hit for Garland, who sang it in most of her concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “The Man That Got Away” on October 28, 1959, for the album Tony Sings For Two, which was released in early 1961.

“The Man That Got Away,” as well as Tony Sings For Two is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Judy Garland’s recording of “The Man That Got Away” from her concert at Carnegie Hall in 1961:

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got a Crush on You

The song of the day for Friday, March 24, 2023, is “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got a Crush on You” was written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1928 musical Treasure Girl, where it was introduced by Clifton Webb and May Hay and again in 1930 for Strike Up The Band, where it was sung by Doris Caron and Gordon Smith. It’s been widely sung jazz vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Diana Krall recorded “I’ve Got a Crush on You” for their 2018 album Love Is Here To Stay. Bill Charlap wrote the arrangement.

“I’ve Got a Crush on You,” as well as Love Is Here To Stay is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: The Man That Got Away

The song of the day for Wednesday, March 15, 2023, is “The Man That Got Away.”

About This Song

“The Man That Got Away” was written by Harold Arlen and Ira Gershwin or Judy Garland for the 1954 version of A Star Is Born, with James Mason. Her performance of the song is legendary in film history, with 27 takes in three days, three separate sessions, and two different directors. The filmed scene is brilliant and made the song a huge hit for Garland, who sang it in most of her concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett, with Ralph Sharon on piano, recorded “The Man That Got Away” on October 28, 1959, in a single recording session where Bennett and Sharon recorded 16 songs, 12 of which were released on Tony Sings For Two, released in 1961.

“The Man That Got Away,” as well as Tony Sings For Two is available on Apple Music.

And here’s that famous scene from the 1954 A Star Is Born: