The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Let’s Face The Music and Dance

The song of the day for Monday, August 1, 2022, is “Let’s Face The Music and Dance.”

About This Song

“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” was written by Irving Berlin in 1936 for the film Follow the Fleet starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Astaire – Rogers dance to this song is considered one of their best. This song has also been recorded by singers including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Let’s Face The Music and Dance” on October 25, 1957. It wasn’t included in 1957 on the album The Beat of My Heart, but was added to the CD re-release. It was arranged by Ralph Sharon and features percussionists Candido, Sabu, and Billy Exiner.

“Let’s Face The Music and Dance,” as well as The Beat of My Heart is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

The song of the day for Wednesday, December 22, 2021, the ninth day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

About This Song

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1937 movie On The Avenue, starring Dick Powell and Alice Faye, who introduced the song in the movie. Billie Holiday recorded it 1937 as did Mildred Bailey. Other notable recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and his daughter, Antonia Bennett, recorded “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: White Christmas

The song of the day for December 14, 2021, the first day of the Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “White Christmas.”

About This Song

“White Christmas” was written by Irving Berlin in 1940 and is one of America’s most beloved Christmas songs. In the not-often heard verse of the song, we hear that “the sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway, there’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24 …” And indeed, Irving Berlin was in Los Angeles when he wrote “White Christmas,” expressing that longing for a traditional back-home Christmas. Bing Crosby recorded the song in 1942 and completely dominated the music charts for weeks. Crosby’s single of “White Christmas” is the biggest-selling single record of all time, worldwide, with over 100-million copies.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “White Christmas” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin, consisting of songs written by Irving Berlin. Dexter Gordon on tenor sax is featured on this recording.

“White Christmas,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Russian Lullaby

The song of the day for Sunday, October 31, 2021, is “Russian Lullaby.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Russian Lullaby” in 1927. With this song, Berlin (born Isador Beilin) explores his childhood roots as an Eastern European/Belarusian Jewish immigrant. The song is like a folk melody and the lyrics are lovely. “Russian Lullaby” was first used in vaudeville and gained recognition with the recording by Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra. It has also been recorded by Bunny Berigan, Guy Lombardo, Bing Crosby, and Dinah Shore, among others.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Russian Lullaby” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. Dizzy Gillespie is featured on trumpet.

“Russian Lullaby,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: All Of My Life

The song of the day for Thursday, October 28, 2021, is “All Of My Life.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “All Of My Life” in 1944. This sweet ballad expresses the yearning for a nice life with the one that you love, a message that was quite poignant for a country towards the end of World War II. This song was introduced (and made famous) by Kate Smith. Other recordings include those by Bing Crosby, Harry James, Sarah Vaughan, and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “All Of My Life” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin, featuring Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone. Bennett wrote the arrangement and is accompanied by the Ralph Sharon Trio, with Sharon on piano, Paul Langosch on bass, and Joe LaBarbera on drums.

“All Of My Life,” as well as Bennett/Berlin is available on Apple Music.

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