The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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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. Tony Bennett · Song · 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.

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

The song of the day for Monday, October 2, 2017 is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967, with music by Jimmy Rowles and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Rowles was a noted pianist to several female jazz singers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan. He also played with bands led by noted leaders, including Lester Young, Nelson Riddle, Buddy Rich and many more.

About This Version

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

Baby Don"t You Quit Now

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


“https://open.spotify.com/track/4RheUdXKEuGWCJ1gjmmYi9,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me, is available from iTunes.

Last week I was on the Apple Music site and they were featuring a “Tony Bennett Deep Cuts” playlist. I gave it a listen–thinking there wasn’t any song on their so-called deep cuts playlist that I didn’t know backwards and forwards, but this song rather took me by surprise. It’s a great melody with some great Mercer lyrics and a great performance by Mr. Bennett.

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

The song of the day for Sunday, May 24, 2015 is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

Today’s song, “Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. Rowles, in addition to being a fine composer, was Billie Holiday’s pianist on and off during the 1950s. 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 this song in 1968 for his album I’ve Gotta Be Me. This song was arranged and conducted by Torrie Zito, with musical supervision by Tony Tamburello. Jimmy Wisner produced the album.

Baby Don"t You Quit Now

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


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

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