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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

December 15, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Silver Bells

The song of the day for Thursday, December 16, 2021, the third day of The Twelve Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” in 2004 with The Count Basie Big Band for the album A Swingin’ Christmas, which was released in 2008. Lee Musiker, Bennett’s pianist and musical director, wrote the arrangement.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day, The 12 Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas Tagged With: A Swingin' Christmas, Jay Livingston, Lee Musiker, Ray Evans, The Count Basie Big Band, Tony Bennett

September 12, 2021 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Monday, September 12, 2021, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was written by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, in 1965 for the movie The Oscar. This movie was Tony’s first (and only) role in a movie, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, the song is very nice.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans recorded “Maybe September” in 1976 for their second album, Together Again, released in 1977.

Maybe September

Listen to Maybe September on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1977.

“Maybe September,” as well as Together Again is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Bill Evans, Jay Livingston, Percy Faith, Ray Evans, Together Again, Tony Bennett

December 15, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Silver Bells

On the third day of a Tony Bennett Christmas, the song of the day for Wednesday, December 16, 2020, is “Silver Bells.”

About This Song

“Silver Bells” was written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Lyricist Ray Evans says that the song was originally called “Tinkle Bells.” That is until composer Jay Livingston told his wife about the new song and she reminded him that the word ‘tinkle’ had another meaning and so it was changed to “Silver Bells.” It was first recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards and was also used in the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope, who performed the song with Marilyn Maxwell.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Silver Bells” with The Count Basie Big Band for the 2008 album A Swingin’ Christmas. Lee Musiker wrote the arrangement.

Silver Bells

Listen to Silver Bells on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 2008.

“Silver Bells,” as well as A Swingin’ Christmas, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: A Swingin' Christmas, Jay Livingston, Lee Musiker, Ray Evans, The 12 Days of a Tony Bennett Christmas, The Count Basie Big Band, Tony Bennett

September 14, 2020 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Maybe September

The song of the day for Tuesday, September 15, 2020, is “Maybe September.”

About This Song

“Maybe September” was composed by Percy Faith, with lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, for the 1965 movie The Oscar. The song is from the only movie that Tony Bennett acted in, where he played the good guy, an agent named Hymie Kelly. While the film received mixed reviews, this song is terrific and is beautifully sung by Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Maybe September” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Bennett has said several times that this one of his favorites of the albums he’s made.

“Maybe September,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Jay Livingston, Percy Faith, Ray Evans, The Movie Song Album, The Oscar

October 20, 2019 By Suzanne 2 Comments

Song of the Day: Never Too Late

The song of the day for Monday, October 21, 2019, is “Never Too Late.”

About This Song

“Never Too Late” was written in 1965 by David Rose, Ray Evans, and Jay Livingston for the movie of the same name. It concerns a middle-aged couple, played by Paul Ford and Maureen O’Sullivan, who find that they are expecting a quite unexpected child. Comedy ensues.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Never Too Late” in 1965 for The Movie Song Album, released in 1966. Composer David Rose wrote the arrangement.

“Never Too Late,” as well as The Movie Song Album, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: David Rose, Jay Livingston, Ray Evans, The Movie Song Album, Tony Bennett

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