The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell). The song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman.”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.org and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

We have Billie Holiday’s 1936 recording of “The Foolish Things,” made with Teddy Wilson.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Monday, April 7, 2025, is “These Foolish Things.”

About Today

We are honoring the great Billie Holiday, who was born on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (as Holt Marvell). Although written and first performed in 1936, “These Foolish Things” was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’s agent refused to publish the song, and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including ones by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. Jorge Calandrelli wrote the arrangement.

Tony Bennett On Holiday won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s the 1936 recording of “These Foolish Things” by Billie Holiday with Teddy Wilson:

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschitz (as Holt Marvell). This song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper and Johnny Hartman. “These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” on September 12, 1956, for his second album Tony, released in 1957. It was arranged by Ray Conniff. FYI, Doc Severinsen played trumpet on this recording.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)

The song of the day for Monday, October 9, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell for contractual reasons). Although written and first performed in 1936, the song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman.”These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” in June 1996 for his tribute album to Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett On Holiday, released in 1997. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony Bennett On Holiday, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Billie Holiday’s recording with The Teddy Wilson Orchestra, from 1936:

By Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: These Foolish Things

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, is “These Foolish Things.”

About Today

Today’s song was recorded 67 years ago today on September 12, 1956.

About This Song

“These Foolish Things” was written in 1936 by Jack Strachey and Eric Maschwitz (writing as Holt Marvell due to recording contract issues). The song was not an immediate hit. In fact, Maschwitz’ agent refused to publish the song and so Maschwitz himself did. There were several fine recordings in the 1930s, including one by Billie Holiday with the Teddy Wilson Orchestra and Benny Goodman. In the 1950s, the song became even more popular, with recordings by Artie Shaw, Nat King Cole, Art Pepper, and Johnny Hartman.” These Foolish Things” ranks #28 on jazzstandards.com and is still widely played and recorded.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “These Foolish Things” on September 12, 1956, for his album Tony, which was released in 1957. Ray Conniff wrote the arrangement and conducted the orchestra.

“These Foolish Things,” as well as Tony, is available on Apple Music.