The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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:

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

The song of the day for Monday, January 2, 2023, is “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”

About This Song

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” was written in 1936 by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 Fred Astaire – Ginger Rogers 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.” However, the song was used again in the 1945 film The Barkleys of Broadway, where Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced to “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” in July 1993 and was released that year on Steppin’ Out. It was arranged by Tony Bennett and Ralph Sharon.

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

I found this video that has the 1937 version of Astaire singing “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” from Shall We Dance and 1949’s The Barkleys of Broadway with Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing.

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Song of the Day: Who Cares

The song of the day for Saturday, October 1, 2022, is “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me).”

About This Song

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” was written in 1931 by George and Ira Gershwin for the Broadway musical Of Thee I Sing. It’s one of their very popular songs with many fine recordings, including those by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland. Tony Bennett sang this song regularly in his concerts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me)” on July 18, 1967, for the album For Once In My Life. His pianist John Bunch wrote the arrangement.

“Who Cares (So Long As You Care For Me),” as well as For One In My Life is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: A Foggy Day

The song of the day for Wednesday, August 31, 2022, is “A Foggy Day.”

About This Song

“A Foggy Day” was written in 1937 by George and Ira Gershwin for the movie A Damsel in Distress, starring Fred Astaire, who introduced the song. It’s been quite popular with many great recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “A Foggy Day” on March 15, 1962, for his album On The Glory Road. Ralph Sharon wrote the arrangement.


“A Foggy Day,” as well as On The Glory Road is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Fred Astaire singing today’s song from A Damsel in Distress.

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Song of the Day: Love Walked In

The song of the day for Friday, July 29, 2022, is “Love Walked In.”

About This Song

“Love Walked In” was written in 1930 by George Gershwin; the lyrics by Ira Gershwin weren’t added until 1937 for the movie The Goldwyn Follies, released in 1938. There have been many fine recordings, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and Artie Shaw.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Love Walked In” on September 12, 1956, with an arrangement by Ray Conniff. It was released in 1957 on the album Tony.

“Love Walked In,” as well as Tony is available on Apple Music.

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