The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Play It Again, Sam

The song of the day for is “Play It Again, Sam.”

About This Song

“Play It Again, Sam” was written by Larry Grossman and Hal Hackaday for Woody Allen’s 1969 play also named Play It Again, Sam, where a nebbish film reviewer is coached in his lackluster love life with tips from his alter ego, Humphrey Bogart. The play starred Allen, Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts, all of whom reprised their roles in the 1972 film version. And, to be clear, no one ever said “play it again, Sam” in the film Casablanca.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Play It Again, Sam” on March 27, 1969, for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Play It Again, Sam,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Baby Don’t You Quit Now

The song of the day for Saturday, November 11, 2023, is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett says “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t You Quit Now” on November 25, 1968, for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me, released in 1969. It was arranged and conducted by Torrie Zito.

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Baby Don’t You Quit Now

The song of the day for Saturday, June 17, 2023, is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett says “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain …”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t You Quit Now” on November 25, 1968, for the album I’ve Gotta Be Me, which was released in 1969. Torrie Zito arranged the song and conducted the orchestra.

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Baby Don’t You Quit Now

The song of the day for Monday, July 5, 2021, is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett collection, Tony Bennett says “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain …”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t Quit Now” in 1968 for the album I’ve Gotta Be Me, released in 1969. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

Baby Don"t You Quit Now

Listen to Baby Don"t You Quit Now on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1969

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: What The World Needs Now Is Love

The song of the day for Monday, May 25, 2020, is “What The World Needs Now Is Love.”

About This Song

“What The World Needs Now Is Love” was written in 1965 by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was first sung by Jackie DeShannon in 1965. The song went on to be recorded by a wide variety of artists, from Judy Garland and Tony Bennett to Luther Vandross to Coldplay.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this version of “What The World Needs Now Is Love” in 1969 for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. The arrangement is by Torrie Zito.

“What The World Needs Now Is Love,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me, is available from iTunes.